Chapter Eight: In the Bushes
Author's Note: I absolutely LOVE writing Author's Notes! *Smiles* Therefore, this is pointless. Just ignore the bit of weird authory nonsense and just read the story already! What are you still looking here for?!!!
It was a pretty normal morning as Quistis Trepe walked in a stately manner down the Garden corridor, with, as usual, many single and hopeful males staring at her with something akin to worship, most of whom she very well knew belonged to her fan club. Bunch of devoted disciples were more like it, she thought, suppressing a smile. Her momentary smile faded quickly as she spied a dejected-looking Xu stomping her way to Squall's office. Alarm bells clanged in her head as Xu spotted her too and rushed over, looking distraught.
"Xu! What is it?" Quistis demanded in concern, her mind imagining all kinds of horrible predicaments Xu could have landed in. "You look like...like someone's given you a Marlboro as a present!"
"Worse than that," Xu said gloomily with a dramatic sweep of her arm.
"What?" Quistis asked, already picturing the worst.
"Someone beat me," Xu moaned.
"That's all?" Quistis let out a burst of breath she hadn't known she had been holding. "For a second there, I thought-"
"First Squall, then Nida, others, and now this Galbadian guy," Xu continued mournfully. "I've been defeated by no less than ten people the last three years. It's never happened before. Quistis, I swear I'm losing my edge. It's a good thing you managed to beat eight of them and retain our image."
Quistis couldn't help but grin. She was the CC Card King, and damn proud of her 'title' bestowed upon her by the card fanatics. It was not officially known, but the person who had last held her position had been Dr Kadowadi, a great card player, but, again, this was not officially known. The last time someone had beaten her was Squall. He'd won her Gilgamesh card fair and square, and Quistis frowned at the memory. That was a very good card which had taken her eons to find. No matter. Another day, another challenge.
Something clicked in her brain. She puzzled about it for a moment, then realized what Xu had said. "Galbadian....he wouldn't happen to be that new instructor, would he? That Travis Axiliam fellow?"
"Exactly!" Xu declared. "It's so humiliating. Now, if you don't mind, I am going to remain in deep depression for the rest of the day. Maybe I'll challenge Club to a card game. Winning one might make me feel better. See you around, and good luck in defeating him!" She walked away, still wearing her doom and gloom expression.
Quistis chuckled. Xu could be so melodramatic sometimes. Tucking a strand of hair that had unaccountably slipped out behind her ear, Quistis resumed her walk to the Training Centre for her next class.
*** Travis slashed at the Grat and, being the puny creature that it was, crashed down with a pathetic roar. He wiped the greenish blood on the grass with marked distaste. Wiping the sweat on his brow-it had been about the fifteenth Grat-he detected movement out of the corner of his eye and spun around, ready to deal death with his sword, and easily dispatched his sixteenth Grat for the day.
The mocking sound of applause sounded, and Travis scowled as he swung towards the source of the clapping, knowing full well who it was. He leaned upon his sword, adopting a deliberate stance of casualness as the intruder appeared.
"What in Hyne's name are you doing here?" he snapped, glaring at the other man.
"You are so friendly, Travis," the other drawled. "Is that any way to treat a comrade?"
"Like hell you are a comrade," was the cold reply. The two men exchanged looks of extreme dislike. Travis was the first to speak. "Okay, just spit it out already, Killean."
Killean glowered, but reached into his overcoat and handed over the diskette Travis had requested. The instructor's eyes lit up at the sight of it, and he snatched it away and tucked it securely into a pocket sewn on the inside of his jacket. "Thanks, Kil. I believe that will be all."
"You really believe having the codes will assist you in finding the traitor in our midst?" Killean demanded.
"That's none of your business, Kil, until I say so. Despite your bluster, I still overrank you, and you will treat me with proper respect."
Killean knew it, but that didn't mean he had to like it. "Fine, sir," he snarled, an edge in his tone. Your wish is my command." The sarcasm was so strong, it practically oozed out of every word. He didn't even bother to hide it. Travis sniffed irritably and chose to ignore the insolence, for now. He turned away. Not bothering to look at Killean, he said candidly, "You should go, or the Balambians will find you. One is even coming right over here now."
There was no answer, only a soft rustle as Killean took his leave. To where, only Killean and Hyne knew. Travis sheathed Dragon's Flight, practice now the last thing on his mind. He had a class starting in ten minutes' time, and he had to leave now if he didn't want to be late.
He took his leave. Unknown to him, eyes and ears had seen and overheard the entire conversation, and now Seifer Almasy rose from the ground behind a convenient clump of bushes as soon as the echo of Travis' footsteps had long faded, pondering the unusual nature of the words he had eavesdropped on. He ought to know Killean, his mind dimly recognized, but for now the memory stayed elusive and far away.
Deep in thought, he departed from the Training Centre, only to bump into another person. He muttered apologies brusquely, not in the mood for sweet talk, and barged past. A familiar voice brought him short though. "You may take off that ridiculous hat, Mr Almasy, and perhaps we can discuss the reason as to what you are doing here." Damn, it's Trepe, Seifer thought, unpleased. He didn't remove his wide- brimmed hat which served to shield his well-known features to prying eyes, though he did to turn to face Quistis. He sighed eloquently. "Talk to our high and mighty commander and maybe he'll tell you why, Instructor. Your suspicions, though clearly well-meaning, pierces my heart. I am absolutely innocent this time."
"You've given me little reason for trust," Quistis grumbled, though her mind reeled at the idea that Squall, of all people, would sanction Seifer's return to Garden, much less allow him to walk freely about.
"True," Seifer conceded, "but you could try for a little less you-are-a- criminal voice and a more civil tone."
Quistis threw up her hands, frustrated. "I see time has not made you politer any one bit," she retorted. "What are you doing here?" She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, making it clear that she wouldn't leave until he gave her a credible explanation.
"I can't tell you," the blond replied smugly. "It's HSS and only Squall and the Headmaster have the authority to release it. Now if you don't want students to spot the face of the notorious Sorceress' Knight and run about screaming madly, I'll be going now. So long, Instructor." Humming merrily, he departed, his highly enjoyable confrontation with Quistis driving all thoughts of Travis and Killean to the back of his mind.
Knowing he was right, though it irked her to no end to admit it, even to herself, Quistis removed her prized Save the Queen whip and entered the Training Centre, making a mental note to have a long conversation with Squall and, yes, to challenge Garden's newest card champion to a game of Triple Triad.
*** Selphie was very happy. The trainees, some among them would-be SeeDs, had returned recently last night, and it was, therefore, party time. Though she was officially only in charge of the Garden festival, she was unofficially Balamb Garden's most popular party planner, and Cheryl Lee, the head of the social activities committee, having come down with a nasty cold, thankfully handed over the responsibility to her.
"Calm down," beseeched a bemused Irvine as he watched Selphie dashing around so fast she looked like a blurry streak of yellow. They were standing in the ballroom, where the ball, as usual, was to be held. Other students were arranging the food (ordered by Selphie, paid out of her own pockets when the budget granted to the committee couldn't cover the expense) or on stepladders holding buckets of paint, brushes and balloons.
"Calm down!!!???" Selphie screeched practically into his ear, stopping for a brief moment. "This has to be perfect! I'm in charge! If they don't like it, it'll be all my fault!" Selphie gulped , then added, "Who knows, I might be fired for being a lousy director!" This possibility having just occurred to her, made her groan and become apprehensive.
"You worry too much, Selph," Irvine consoled his girlfriend soothingly, who was now trying to absorb the startling idea that she might lose her beloved job. "Every one who has half a brain loves your parties. The last Garden Festival was a hit."
"I guess you're right," Selphie replied cheerfully, fully recovered from her brief bout of depression. She dashed off again, pausing to scold a student who had dripped some paint onto the floor. Irvine smiled. Dear, active Selphie-she couldn't remain sad for twenty seconds even if she tried.
He glanced at his watch. The ball was still six hours away. Glancing at the chaos around him, but ordered chaos nonetheless, he followed Selphie to the stage to help check that the audio equipment was all set up and ready to blast away.
*** Phoenix sat comfortably on a chair in the library, reading a book titled 'Ventures into Sorcery', an account of a real Sorceress who had lived long ago. Though she had used her powers for good, she had been shunned by some superstitious people and repeatedly rebuffed. She had written, 'Power brings with it many liberties and special abilities, but the cost of the gain makes me wonder if it really is worth it in the end.' The Sorceress had died to save the people of Esthar from a herd of Ruby Dragons that had flown over from the Island Closest to Heaven. Which, in the end, had led to their ultimate downfall. Too trusting of sorcery, they had permitted Adel to take control, only to discover too late that she was insane.
Phoenix sighed as she returned the book to its original position. All day long she had been hearing excited whispers all over Garden about the graduation ceremony scheduled for tonight. She, like the other lowly cadets, had been green with envy as they envisioned their elders in their smart uniforms, shaking hands with the headmaster. Phoenix envied them; there was no way she could possibly become a SeeD, ever.
"Oh, hello, Phoenix!" came a cheerful voice from behind her, and Phoenix half turned with surprise. Rinoa's luminous eyes were crinkled with bright humor and genuine delight as she smiled, a sweet smile that made Phoenix feel warm all over. "Ventures into Sorcery?" Rinoa asked, reading the title off the spine. "No offense, but I didn't think you were into this type of books. It always makes me feel so sad, seeing as C'leoissan and I are both, you know, sorceresses, so I feel a certain kind of empathy towards her."
"It is sad. And...so true," Phoenix agreed softly, her voice barely a whisper.
Rinoa, not hearing, said, "So, are you going to the ball?" When Phoenix's expression became gloomy, she clapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh, of course! You haven't attained SeeDship yet, so you can't go."
"Thanks for reminding me," the girl muttered in response.
"Wait! I have an idea," Rinoa declared. "You could come in with me! They'd let you in if I say so. How about that?"
"Really?" Phoenix exclaimed breathlessly. "So you'll do this for me?"
"Certainly!" the sorceress beamed. "Just meet me at the entrance of the ballroom at nine o' clock. It'll end at midnight when they release the fireworks. It's truly a spectacular sight. You can bring a date if you want."
"Thank you so much!" Phoenix said gratefully.
"Don't mention it. None o' clock, okay, in your uniform. Don't forget! See you later!" With a smile, Rinoa turned on her heel and left.
Phoenix smiled. Everything was all turning out nicely the way she wanted them. Humming happily under her breath, she took another book and resumed reading.
Author's Note: Next chapter, the SeeD Graduation Ball! Not much in the way of revelations, but it'll go nicely into building up the Quivis. You're probably thinking, huh? right now. And you don't need me to tell you why. Squall lovers, I know he doesn't appear too much in the story, but pls don't flame! This story was supposed to revolve around Quistis, Phoenix and Travis. Don't worry. More appearances, as well as Squinoas, will be seen later. That goes for Seifer too. His role, though mimorr, is pretty much important, but he won't be seen much, seeing as Squall banned him from walking about (though he broke that rule). Sorry for taking so long to update! See you next chap.
Author's Note: I absolutely LOVE writing Author's Notes! *Smiles* Therefore, this is pointless. Just ignore the bit of weird authory nonsense and just read the story already! What are you still looking here for?!!!
It was a pretty normal morning as Quistis Trepe walked in a stately manner down the Garden corridor, with, as usual, many single and hopeful males staring at her with something akin to worship, most of whom she very well knew belonged to her fan club. Bunch of devoted disciples were more like it, she thought, suppressing a smile. Her momentary smile faded quickly as she spied a dejected-looking Xu stomping her way to Squall's office. Alarm bells clanged in her head as Xu spotted her too and rushed over, looking distraught.
"Xu! What is it?" Quistis demanded in concern, her mind imagining all kinds of horrible predicaments Xu could have landed in. "You look like...like someone's given you a Marlboro as a present!"
"Worse than that," Xu said gloomily with a dramatic sweep of her arm.
"What?" Quistis asked, already picturing the worst.
"Someone beat me," Xu moaned.
"That's all?" Quistis let out a burst of breath she hadn't known she had been holding. "For a second there, I thought-"
"First Squall, then Nida, others, and now this Galbadian guy," Xu continued mournfully. "I've been defeated by no less than ten people the last three years. It's never happened before. Quistis, I swear I'm losing my edge. It's a good thing you managed to beat eight of them and retain our image."
Quistis couldn't help but grin. She was the CC Card King, and damn proud of her 'title' bestowed upon her by the card fanatics. It was not officially known, but the person who had last held her position had been Dr Kadowadi, a great card player, but, again, this was not officially known. The last time someone had beaten her was Squall. He'd won her Gilgamesh card fair and square, and Quistis frowned at the memory. That was a very good card which had taken her eons to find. No matter. Another day, another challenge.
Something clicked in her brain. She puzzled about it for a moment, then realized what Xu had said. "Galbadian....he wouldn't happen to be that new instructor, would he? That Travis Axiliam fellow?"
"Exactly!" Xu declared. "It's so humiliating. Now, if you don't mind, I am going to remain in deep depression for the rest of the day. Maybe I'll challenge Club to a card game. Winning one might make me feel better. See you around, and good luck in defeating him!" She walked away, still wearing her doom and gloom expression.
Quistis chuckled. Xu could be so melodramatic sometimes. Tucking a strand of hair that had unaccountably slipped out behind her ear, Quistis resumed her walk to the Training Centre for her next class.
*** Travis slashed at the Grat and, being the puny creature that it was, crashed down with a pathetic roar. He wiped the greenish blood on the grass with marked distaste. Wiping the sweat on his brow-it had been about the fifteenth Grat-he detected movement out of the corner of his eye and spun around, ready to deal death with his sword, and easily dispatched his sixteenth Grat for the day.
The mocking sound of applause sounded, and Travis scowled as he swung towards the source of the clapping, knowing full well who it was. He leaned upon his sword, adopting a deliberate stance of casualness as the intruder appeared.
"What in Hyne's name are you doing here?" he snapped, glaring at the other man.
"You are so friendly, Travis," the other drawled. "Is that any way to treat a comrade?"
"Like hell you are a comrade," was the cold reply. The two men exchanged looks of extreme dislike. Travis was the first to speak. "Okay, just spit it out already, Killean."
Killean glowered, but reached into his overcoat and handed over the diskette Travis had requested. The instructor's eyes lit up at the sight of it, and he snatched it away and tucked it securely into a pocket sewn on the inside of his jacket. "Thanks, Kil. I believe that will be all."
"You really believe having the codes will assist you in finding the traitor in our midst?" Killean demanded.
"That's none of your business, Kil, until I say so. Despite your bluster, I still overrank you, and you will treat me with proper respect."
Killean knew it, but that didn't mean he had to like it. "Fine, sir," he snarled, an edge in his tone. Your wish is my command." The sarcasm was so strong, it practically oozed out of every word. He didn't even bother to hide it. Travis sniffed irritably and chose to ignore the insolence, for now. He turned away. Not bothering to look at Killean, he said candidly, "You should go, or the Balambians will find you. One is even coming right over here now."
There was no answer, only a soft rustle as Killean took his leave. To where, only Killean and Hyne knew. Travis sheathed Dragon's Flight, practice now the last thing on his mind. He had a class starting in ten minutes' time, and he had to leave now if he didn't want to be late.
He took his leave. Unknown to him, eyes and ears had seen and overheard the entire conversation, and now Seifer Almasy rose from the ground behind a convenient clump of bushes as soon as the echo of Travis' footsteps had long faded, pondering the unusual nature of the words he had eavesdropped on. He ought to know Killean, his mind dimly recognized, but for now the memory stayed elusive and far away.
Deep in thought, he departed from the Training Centre, only to bump into another person. He muttered apologies brusquely, not in the mood for sweet talk, and barged past. A familiar voice brought him short though. "You may take off that ridiculous hat, Mr Almasy, and perhaps we can discuss the reason as to what you are doing here." Damn, it's Trepe, Seifer thought, unpleased. He didn't remove his wide- brimmed hat which served to shield his well-known features to prying eyes, though he did to turn to face Quistis. He sighed eloquently. "Talk to our high and mighty commander and maybe he'll tell you why, Instructor. Your suspicions, though clearly well-meaning, pierces my heart. I am absolutely innocent this time."
"You've given me little reason for trust," Quistis grumbled, though her mind reeled at the idea that Squall, of all people, would sanction Seifer's return to Garden, much less allow him to walk freely about.
"True," Seifer conceded, "but you could try for a little less you-are-a- criminal voice and a more civil tone."
Quistis threw up her hands, frustrated. "I see time has not made you politer any one bit," she retorted. "What are you doing here?" She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, making it clear that she wouldn't leave until he gave her a credible explanation.
"I can't tell you," the blond replied smugly. "It's HSS and only Squall and the Headmaster have the authority to release it. Now if you don't want students to spot the face of the notorious Sorceress' Knight and run about screaming madly, I'll be going now. So long, Instructor." Humming merrily, he departed, his highly enjoyable confrontation with Quistis driving all thoughts of Travis and Killean to the back of his mind.
Knowing he was right, though it irked her to no end to admit it, even to herself, Quistis removed her prized Save the Queen whip and entered the Training Centre, making a mental note to have a long conversation with Squall and, yes, to challenge Garden's newest card champion to a game of Triple Triad.
*** Selphie was very happy. The trainees, some among them would-be SeeDs, had returned recently last night, and it was, therefore, party time. Though she was officially only in charge of the Garden festival, she was unofficially Balamb Garden's most popular party planner, and Cheryl Lee, the head of the social activities committee, having come down with a nasty cold, thankfully handed over the responsibility to her.
"Calm down," beseeched a bemused Irvine as he watched Selphie dashing around so fast she looked like a blurry streak of yellow. They were standing in the ballroom, where the ball, as usual, was to be held. Other students were arranging the food (ordered by Selphie, paid out of her own pockets when the budget granted to the committee couldn't cover the expense) or on stepladders holding buckets of paint, brushes and balloons.
"Calm down!!!???" Selphie screeched practically into his ear, stopping for a brief moment. "This has to be perfect! I'm in charge! If they don't like it, it'll be all my fault!" Selphie gulped , then added, "Who knows, I might be fired for being a lousy director!" This possibility having just occurred to her, made her groan and become apprehensive.
"You worry too much, Selph," Irvine consoled his girlfriend soothingly, who was now trying to absorb the startling idea that she might lose her beloved job. "Every one who has half a brain loves your parties. The last Garden Festival was a hit."
"I guess you're right," Selphie replied cheerfully, fully recovered from her brief bout of depression. She dashed off again, pausing to scold a student who had dripped some paint onto the floor. Irvine smiled. Dear, active Selphie-she couldn't remain sad for twenty seconds even if she tried.
He glanced at his watch. The ball was still six hours away. Glancing at the chaos around him, but ordered chaos nonetheless, he followed Selphie to the stage to help check that the audio equipment was all set up and ready to blast away.
*** Phoenix sat comfortably on a chair in the library, reading a book titled 'Ventures into Sorcery', an account of a real Sorceress who had lived long ago. Though she had used her powers for good, she had been shunned by some superstitious people and repeatedly rebuffed. She had written, 'Power brings with it many liberties and special abilities, but the cost of the gain makes me wonder if it really is worth it in the end.' The Sorceress had died to save the people of Esthar from a herd of Ruby Dragons that had flown over from the Island Closest to Heaven. Which, in the end, had led to their ultimate downfall. Too trusting of sorcery, they had permitted Adel to take control, only to discover too late that she was insane.
Phoenix sighed as she returned the book to its original position. All day long she had been hearing excited whispers all over Garden about the graduation ceremony scheduled for tonight. She, like the other lowly cadets, had been green with envy as they envisioned their elders in their smart uniforms, shaking hands with the headmaster. Phoenix envied them; there was no way she could possibly become a SeeD, ever.
"Oh, hello, Phoenix!" came a cheerful voice from behind her, and Phoenix half turned with surprise. Rinoa's luminous eyes were crinkled with bright humor and genuine delight as she smiled, a sweet smile that made Phoenix feel warm all over. "Ventures into Sorcery?" Rinoa asked, reading the title off the spine. "No offense, but I didn't think you were into this type of books. It always makes me feel so sad, seeing as C'leoissan and I are both, you know, sorceresses, so I feel a certain kind of empathy towards her."
"It is sad. And...so true," Phoenix agreed softly, her voice barely a whisper.
Rinoa, not hearing, said, "So, are you going to the ball?" When Phoenix's expression became gloomy, she clapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh, of course! You haven't attained SeeDship yet, so you can't go."
"Thanks for reminding me," the girl muttered in response.
"Wait! I have an idea," Rinoa declared. "You could come in with me! They'd let you in if I say so. How about that?"
"Really?" Phoenix exclaimed breathlessly. "So you'll do this for me?"
"Certainly!" the sorceress beamed. "Just meet me at the entrance of the ballroom at nine o' clock. It'll end at midnight when they release the fireworks. It's truly a spectacular sight. You can bring a date if you want."
"Thank you so much!" Phoenix said gratefully.
"Don't mention it. None o' clock, okay, in your uniform. Don't forget! See you later!" With a smile, Rinoa turned on her heel and left.
Phoenix smiled. Everything was all turning out nicely the way she wanted them. Humming happily under her breath, she took another book and resumed reading.
Author's Note: Next chapter, the SeeD Graduation Ball! Not much in the way of revelations, but it'll go nicely into building up the Quivis. You're probably thinking, huh? right now. And you don't need me to tell you why. Squall lovers, I know he doesn't appear too much in the story, but pls don't flame! This story was supposed to revolve around Quistis, Phoenix and Travis. Don't worry. More appearances, as well as Squinoas, will be seen later. That goes for Seifer too. His role, though mimorr, is pretty much important, but he won't be seen much, seeing as Squall banned him from walking about (though he broke that rule). Sorry for taking so long to update! See you next chap.