A/N: Hey there… *Grins* I expected no different reviews from you guys… Confused, huh? Well, the weird thing would be if you weren't. I wrote this chapter with the intention of making it perplexed. OK, so I know I said I wouldn't comment on anything, but I will say this: No-one got it right. Honestly. I'd be surprised if anyone did get it, because it's not something you can deduce from this chapter alone. Unless of course you have a tremendously wild imagination. I will drop hints in other chapters that will slowly unveil the mystery (man, I'm so full of it! ^_^), but they won't be that noticeable. On a final note, I would like to congratulate one person, who got very close at some point. And that's FantasyWolf. You observed something I knew not many would 'catch'. But you missed something else. Either way, well done!
Now… The next chapter takes us back to where we stopped in chapter 2. Enjoy!
Anyway, in conclusion, I'd like to say to all of you a great big thanks for reviewing. And also that your guesses were in a really good path. Let's wait and see who will spot the hints that will be lying around in other chapters… ^_^
Last chapter summary: A mysterious man commits a murder in Deling City…
~*The Beginning, is the End, is the Beginning*~
A sequel to 'Love Conquers All'
By: Sickness in Salvation
Chapter 4: Run Seifer, Run
The continent of Balamb was known, among other things, for its warm climate. The mild fall and winter were always followed by a refreshing spring and a hot summer. One could easily deduce so, from the plains spreading around its surface, which remained a shade of bright green throughout the entire year. However, this year the winter had been very cold, just like in every other continent. For the first time in decades, snow had fallen on those bright green plains, creating an image picturesque beyond imagination. The first snowflakes had made their appearance in mid-December and by now, the scenery all around Balamb Garden had turned pearly white.
It was now the first day of the New Year. And it was definitely one that seemed to be a good omen of the three hundred and sixty five more days to follow, as its beauty filled the atmosphere. The first morning light appeared at about six a.m. A glorious amber sun cast the first rays of light upon the white snow, making it glimmer like gold-dust. The freezing weather rendered the natural environment in lethargy, nevertheless granting it with an 'arctic' sort of charm. The very few birds that were able to survive the cold and hadn't immigrated to the south brought the place into life by their soft chirping. Yes, it was indeed a beautiful morning from every aspect and certainly a good omen for what was to come. Or was it?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Squall had buried himself underneath the covers of his and Rinoa's double bed. His strong arms were engulfing his beautiful raven-haired lover, holding her close to him, as if protecting her. Rinoa's jet-black locks were spread around her pillow and her face was resting on Squall's shoulder, sending her soft, steady breaths right onto his bare chest. They were both sound asleep; the exhaustion from last night's party was more than enough to help them drift to sleep in a matter of seconds. Their room was dimly lit by the very first morning sun rays, which came filtered through the curtain fabric. The only sound inside the -otherwise completely silent- room was the sound of two breaths, rhythmically following one another.
Not much time passed before the muteness of the room broke, by a piercing ringing sound. It wasn't until the fourth ringing though, that one of them heard it. Squall groaned slightly, as Rinoa squirmed inside his arms. She let out an annoyed grunt and turned over to the other side, covering herself up completely. Squall turned around as well, cracking one eye open with difficulty. His steel blue orb caught glimpse of the clock positioned right across him on the nightstand. 6:07 'C'mon!' he thought 'Gimme a break… I haven't even slept for two hours…' Lazily, his hand traveled onto the nightstand, looking for the source of their abrupt awakening. Eventually his palm enclosed the small black telephone contraption and he tiredly brought it over to his ear.
- "Hello…?" he said sleepily.
- "Squall? This is Headmaster Cid." came Cid's voice through the receiver. He sounded somewhat upset "I'm terribly sorry to wake you up, but this is an emergency."
- "What's wrong sir?" asked Squall, slightly awakening from the worry in Cid's voice. He sat up on his bed, rubbing his eyes open.
- "I can't really discuss this through the phone. It's about the disappearance of the President in Deling. I need you to come up to my office ASAP." replied Cid.
- "Affirmative. I'll be up there immediately." said Squall, trying not to sound reluctant, hanging up the phone.
He rested the phone back on the nightstand and rubbed his neck 'Sometimes I REALLY hate this job…' he thought 'But it sounded pretty serious… Better get up there…' He sighed deeply and gently flung the covers off his body, getting up from the bed. The mattress slightly sprang up as his weight left it, making Rinoa stir and turn back around. She barely opened her eyes and saw Squall putting his, discarded on the floor, boxers on. He stretched his arms and stumbled over to the bathroom, accidentally tripping over Angelo who let out a whiny bark.
- "Squall?" Rinoa said weakly, now fully awakened by her dog's voice. Squall turned around, facing her "What time is it?" she asked.
- "It's still very early Rin, go back to sleep…" he replied.
- "Why are you up?" she asked, yawning deeply.
- "Cid called. Something urgent has come up."
- "What?"
- "I dunno yet. I'm going up to the office right now to find out."
- "Want me to come?" she asked, praying his answer would be 'No'.
- "No babe, it's OK. You should get some sleep."
- "K…" said Rinoa, turning back around.
Before Squall had even reached the bathroom door, his girlfriend was already back to sleep. He walked inside the bathroom, towards the sink and turned the tap on. He cupped some water inside his palms and dipped his face in it. The refreshing liquid slightly helped him awaken, but he still felt his head pounding like crazy. He walked back inside the room and opened the wardrobe, taking out his usual battle gear. He lazily slipped his slender legs through the leather pants, taking some time to buckle both his belts. He grinned as he remembered Rinoa first seeing him do that; she was so confused on how he created that weird complexion with his belts -just like everyone else-… Squall proceeded in wearing his white T-shirt and leather jacket. He grabbed his Lionheart from its shiny case, suspending the crystal-blue blade from his belts. He walked over to the bed, gave Rinoa a kiss on the forehead, covered her up and walked out of the room, grabbing his cell-phone from the nightstand.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Balamb Garden corridors were completely empty at this hour. Squall strode down the hallways inhaling the chilly clear air or the morning. He had awakened fully by now, although he couldn't help but feel extremely tired. He finally reached the entrance Hall and swiftly walked up the stairs to the elevator. He pressed the button calling the elevator and patiently waited outside. The doors eventually opened and the young brown-haired Commander walked inside, pressing the button to the 3rd floor. The elevator booth ascended two floors and reached the last one. Squall stepped outside and hurried over to Cid's office. He gently knocked on the door and when he heard Cid's voice from inside, he entered.
He found Xu and Cid waiting for him inside, both looking very upset. Squall walked over to Cid's desk and saluted him. Cid motioned to him to sit down.
- "I'm glad you could make it Squall. And once again, I'm really sorry I had to wake you up at this hour." said the Headmaster.
- "Don't mention it sir. What's the situation?" asked Squall.
- "President Connelly was found dead in his holiday mansion just about an hour ago." replied Xu.
- "What?!" asked Squall, his eyes shooting wide open "Did he commit suicide?"
- "No. It was murder." said Cid seriously.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Quistis was lying on Seifer's broad chest. She had one hand resting on it, while Seifer held her close with one arm, resting the other on the mattress. A loud, firm knock on their door disturbed their sleep. Seifer groaned and stirred in indignation, cursing, anyone who thought it was a good idea to wake them up like that, under his breath. Quistis slowly got up from him, barely opening her eyes.
- "Dammit… Shut… the fuck… up…" mumbled Seifer sleepily. The knocks were getting more and more persistent.
- "I'll go…" said Quistis getting up.
Seifer rolled on the bed, lying on his stomach, covering his head with the pillow. Quistis sat up on the edge of the bed, picking up Seifer's deep green shirt from the floor.
- "I'm coming already!" she shouted to the person knocking on their door.
She slid her arms through the sleeves of the shirt, buttoned it, then grabbed her underwear from the floor and put them on as well. She stumbled to the door, rubbing her eyes open. She answered the door, finding herself facing Selphie and Irvine.
- "What?" she whined sleepily.
- "What took you so long?!" said Selphie barging inside their room, closely followed by Irvine.
- "Maybe we were fucking SLEEPING!" yelled Seifer sarcastically, rolling over on the bed again, facing them.
- "Well get up! We've got a situation!" said Selphie putting her hands on her hips.
- "What's wrong?" asked Quistis yawning deeply.
- "We all got called up on Cid's office. He'll explain fully there." said Irvine.
- "C'mon! Get up already!" Selphie said to Seifer.
- "This had better be good Messenger-girl, or I swear to Hyne, I'll have your head…" said Seifer sitting up on the bed.
- "Oh it's good alright…" replied Selphie crossing her arms "President Connelly was found dead this morning."
- "What?!" said Quistis and Seifer in unison.
- "Murder. Now c'mon. Hurry up…" said Irvine.
- "OK, OK…" said Seifer rubbing his hair "Quis? Where are my…?" he asked, looking around the floor.
- "Here." said Quistis tossing him his boxers.
Seifer grabbed the garment, putting it on underneath the covers. He got up from bed, walking over to the wardrobe were Quistis was already looking for clothes. Seifer began looking for his as well, when he noticed that Selphie and Irvine were still there.
- "What, are you gonna watch?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
- "Just go to the bathroom and get on with it!" said Irvine exasperated.
The couple walked inside the bathroom, holding their clothes.
- "And no funny business in there!" yelled Selphie as the door closed behind them.
Five minutes later, Seifer and Quistis emerged from inside, fully dressed.
- "All set?" asked Irvine. The pair nodded, grabbing their weapons "Let's go."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The quartet made their way up to the 3rd floor, heading over to Cid's office. They knocked and entered, finding Squall, Xu, Cid and Zell already inside.
- "Good… We're all gathered now…" said Cid.
Seifer noticed that his glance lingered onto him a bit longer. His face had an expression of mixed worry, pity and sorrow, which made Seifer intrigued on what he was about to hear.
- "Please sit down…" added Cid, motioning to the chairs in front of him.
- "They told us about the President. What happened?" asked Seifer immediately after sitting down.
- "They found him on his holiday mansion this morning. He was pretty much… disfigured…" said Xu, with a disgusted expression on her face.
- "What, did they sent you a picture or something?" Seifer asked Xu jokingly, smirking.
- "Actually, yes." replied Xu, catching him off guard "It came along with the e-mail we received. Wanna see it?" she asked sarcastically, smirking herself.
- "Better not…" said Zell, adopting a similar expression like Xu's previous one.
- "Nah, that's OK…" said Seifer shrugging, extending his arm towards Xu.
Xu raised an eyebrow. She reached over to the desk and grabbed a piece of paper, handing it to Seifer. Seifer took it and glanced at it, as Quistis leaned over his shoulder to look at it as well. Seifer's eyes widened up at the sight, while Quistis turned away repulsed.
- "Oh my Hyne…" she said, touching her stomach.
- "Take it…" said Seifer, handing the paper back to Xu.
- "Who would do such a horrible thing?" asked Quistis, as Selphie and Irvine snatched the paper from Xu's hands, looking at it themselves.
- "EW!" exclaimed Selphie, leaving the picture on the desk, disgusted.
- "They've sent us a draft sketch of the man recognized as the culprit by some soldiers and citizens." said Cid.
- "Do we know him?" asked Irvine.
- "We… might…" replied Cid, feeling uneasy.
- "Well… Can we see the sketch? Who is it?" asked Seifer.
- "Believe me." said Squall quickly "Of all the people, you don't want to see it…"
- "Why the hell not?" asked Seifer raising an eyebrow "Is it someone I know?"
Xu, Squall, Zell and Cid looked at each other. Squall gave them a meaningful glare, to which Xu shrugged and Cid turned back towards the window.
- "Can't hide it forever… We might as well show it to him…" said Zell.
- "What's going on here?" asked Seifer suspiciously.
- "Seifer, where were you the night before New Year's?" asked Squall.
- "I had a mission. You know that. What the heck does it have to do with anything?" asked Seifer frowning.
- "What time did you leave to go back to your hotel?" asked Xu.
- "I dunno…" said Seifer shrugging "About two after midnight. Why?"
- "Where did you go afterwards?" asked Zell.
- "To my hotel! What's with all the questions?! What the hell does it have to do with the President?!" Seifer asked exasperated.
- "Everything…" said Squall, handing him the sketch.
Seifer indignantly snatched the paper from Squall's hand and looked down on it. For the second time in five minutes, Seifer's eyes shot wide open as well as Quistis', Selphie's and Irvine's. The sketch Seifer was holding in his hands, showed the young man who had supposedly murdered the President. He seemed to be about twenty, with light-colored hair and eyes and strict facial characteristics. Across his forehead and more specifically between his eyes, a scar was visible. The notes right next to the sketch read that the man had blond hair, green eyes, he was tall and well-built and wore a long black trench coat with two red crosses emblazoned on the sleeves. The supposed murderer looked awfully like…
- "…Me…" said Seifer faintly, feeling thunderstruck.
- "What nonsense is this?!" Quistis angrily asked Squall.
- "Seifer… Is there something we need to know?" asked Cid, crossing his arms.
- "Are you implying that you think I killed President Connelly?!" asked Seifer furiously, narrowing his eyes.
- "My dear boy, as much as I'd like to consider this sketch a really bad joke, I can't. I need to hear your alibi." said Cid.
- "I told you just before! I went straight to my hotel!" said Seifer.
- "Is there anyone who can confirm that?" asked Squall.
- "Not really…" said Seifer rubbing his chin "The damn clerk was asleep on his desk when I came back…"
Everyone but Quistis gave him a weird disbelieving glare.
- "It's not my fault!" said Seifer looking at their expressions "What? Don't you believe me?"
- "We'd really like to…" said Cid.
- "Quis?! You too?!" asked Seifer, turning over to Quistis.
- "Of course I believe you!" said Quistis feeling slightly offended that the thought had even crossed his mind.
- "Seifer, we all want to believe you. But the facts…" began Xu.
- "I didn't do it!" Seifer yelled.
- "Then explain to me how you got recognized as the culprit!" said Cid.
- "I DON'T know!" replied Seifer exasperated.
Silence fell into the room as Cid sighed deeply. Seifer touched his forehead with one hand, as Quistis rubbed his shoulder, trying to comfort him.
- "Hey…" began Selphie at some point "Didn't you tell us last night that someone attacked you in Deling?!" she exclaimed.
- "Oh yeah!" said Irvine "We told you to report it and you said you'd do so as soon as you got called up to the bridge for your full mission report."
- "Who attacked you?" asked Squall raising an eyebrow.
- "I dunno," replied Seifer shaking his head "It happened when I was going to the station to catch my train. Someone I didn't manage to see, pulled me into an alley in broad daylight and rendered me unconscious with chloroform."
- "Then what?" asked Cid intrigued.
- "I woke up a few hours later on the same alley. Nothing was stolen or misplaced and I didn't have any bruises of any sort on my body." said Seifer.
- "That's odd…" said Xu creasing her forehead.
- "Why didn't you report it immediately?" asked Squall.
- "Because I got back here right at the countdown to the New Year. I didn't get a chance to." answered Seifer.
- "That's gotta be linked to the President's case somehow…" said Zell.
- "I don't see in what way…" said Squall "The autopsy declared the President's death time on the night before. Seifer said this happened to him yesterday."
- "But it's suspicious anyway…" said Quistis.
- "Yeah, but I can't see a connection with the President's murder." replied Squall "If you've got any idea on how they could link to each other, please do share …" Quistis didn't respond. She couldn't. Nothing made sense.
- "How was the President killed?" asked Seifer suddenly.
- "With a blade of some sort." replied Xu "They identified the cuts as gunblade cuts and also found a bullet right between his eyes. It belongs to a Hyperion model."
- "Well I'm not the only one who carries a Hyperion gunblade!" said Seifer.
- "True, but all the facts add up to you." said Cid.
- "I believe he's innocent." said Selphie popping in "What happened to him is way too suspicious not to be connected to the murder."
- "But h-" began Squall.
- "We don't know how Squall, but we believe Seifer." Irvine said interrupting him.
- "Thanks…" mumbled Seifer.
- "Look, I don't believe he'd do it either, but he needs a damn alibi!" said Squall exasperated.
- "You've got a really weird way of showing it…" Quistis spat at him sarcastically.
- "Don't try and make me the bad guy in here Quistis!" said Squall, pointing a finger at her.
- "Yeah, I guess that always has to be my part, doesn't it?" asked Seifer bitterly.
- "Hyne dammit, I believe you!" said Squall getting up "But give me an alibi for the damn Galbadians that will show up any time now!"
- "Galbadians are coming here?" asked Quistis.
- "Yes. They're sending some officials over to question Seifer." replied Cid.
- "When?" asked Seifer.
- "Any moment now…" replied Xu.
- "Are they going to… arrest him?" asked Quistis, afraid of the answer she was about to hear.
- "If they find him guilty, yes." said Squall.
- "W-w-well what can we do?" asked Quistis, starting to panic.
- "Us? Nothing. All he can do is give them an alibi that acquits him of any charges." said Squall pointing at Seifer.
- "I don't have one. I've told you everything there is to know…" said Seifer shaking his head.
- "Then lie!" said Quistis frantically.
- "Quis, you know that will get me into ever more trouble…" said Seifer looking at her.
- "But they can't take you away!" said Quistis, her eyes beginning to water.
- "It'll be OK…" said Seifer, holding her hand.
Just then, a buzzing sound was heard on Cid's intercom. Cid walked over to his desk, pressing a button on the intercom.
- "Yes?" he said.
- "Sir, three Galbadian officials are here requesting to see you." said a voice everyone recognized as Mr. Stanford, the old man guarding the Gates.
- "Let them in Angus and tell them to come up to my office on the 3rd floor." said Cid.
- "Alright sir." said Mr. Stanford, terminating the conversation.
Cid walked back to his chair and sat down sighing.
- "They're here…" he said.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Three Galbadians strode inside Balamb Garden. The two in their usual blue uniforms, while the man in the middle wore a grey suit. Many heads turned as they passed by the entrance Hall and headed up the stairs. An instant uproar of whispering and guesses on why they were here was triggered. The three officials walked up to the elevator and took it to the 3rd floor. They stepped out and walked over to Cid's office. They knocked and entered immediately.
- "Welcome gentlemen…" said Cid, nodding at the soldiers.
The three simply nodded back, not saying a word and made their way to the three seats reserved for them in front of Cid's desk. As they walked past Seifer, they shot him poisonous glares, which he returned. Quistis prepared herself mentally for the worst and tightened her grasp on Seifer's hand. He rubbed hers with his thumb, trying to calm her down. Everyone felt really uncomfortable as the air was very heavy inside the small room. And it was about to get heavier…
- "Cid Kramer, Headmaster of Balamb Garden." said Cid, extending his arm to the officials. All of them exchanged a lukewarm handshake worth Cid.
- "Serj Aldian, Secretary of Justice of Galbadia," said the man in the suit "The men on my sides are my aids."
- "Pleased to meet you Mr. Aldian," lied Cid. He was far from glad to have three Galbadians in his office with the intention to condemn one of his best SeeDs "I believe you're here to question Seifer Almasy?" asked Cid. At the sound of these words, Quistis' stomach felt as if it was twisting like mad.
- "Indeed." replied Aldian "He was recognized as the culprit for the murder of President Sirius Connelly. Normally, we would have arrested him immediately, but the new protocol imposed by former President Connelly demands an interrogation first."
- "I see… You may proceed with the interrogation then." said Cid.
- "Do," began Aldian, looking around the office "All these people have to be present?"
Everyone in the room except for Cid shot him angry glares.
- "These are all top SeeDs. Their presence is important in any matter." replied Cid coolly, making his soldiers all smirk triumphantly.
- "Very well…" said Aldian, getting up "Mr. Almasy, if you please…" he said, motioning to the chair he was sitting on a few moments ago.
Seifer looked at Quistis, running a hand through her hair, smiling weakly at her. Quistis felt a tingling sensation as he did so and watched him as he got up from his seat and calmly walked over to the one Aldian had asked him to sit upon. She took a deep breath and fidgeted with her silver necklace -a gift from Seifer on her birthday- in anxiety. When Seifer was ready, Aldian crossed his arms behind his back and looked at Seifer straight in the eyes.
- "Ready?" asked Aldian.
- "Ready." replied Seifer, emotionlessly.
- "Please state your name, age and occupation for the record." requested Aldian, as one of his aids took out a small recorder.
- "Name: Seifer Almasy, Age: Nineteen, Occupation: Rank-A Balamb Garden SeeD." stated Seifer.
- "Alright… Mr. Almasy, where were you on the night of December 30th before two o' clock, when the President was murdered?" asked Aldian.
- "Wouldn't that be the morning of December 31st before two o' clock?" asked Seifer, smirking.
This was no time to play smart-ass on the Secretary of Justice, but he just couldn't help it. Aldian raised an eyebrow at that and looked at Seifer through narrowed eyes, gritting his teeth. Behind him, Squall slapped his forehead with one hand, Cid shook his head in disbelief, Quistis bit her bottom lip and shut her eyes frowning, Zell and Xu both rolled their eyes, while Irvine and Selphie shot each other worried looks. Seeing their reactions, Seifer's smirk became even wider; he wasn't going to show the slightest sign of weakness, especially in front of Quistis.
- "Correct observation…" said Aldian, breaking the awkward silence.
- "Thank you." replied Seifer, never wiping the aforementioned expression off his face.
- "Now, if you'll be so kind as to answer my question…" added Aldian.
- "Certainly. In the morning of December 31st before 0200 hours, I was on a mission in Deling Gallery." answered Seifer.
- "Can anyone confirm that?" asked Aldian.
- "Lucius Wallace from the department of National Defense can confirm it. I was working with him, as his bodyguard."
- "Ah, yes…" replied Aldian, frowning at the sound of Wallace's name. Seifer laughed inwardly 'Doesn't ANYONE like the guy?' he thought "Where did you go after there?" asked Aldian.
- "I returned to my hotel room." answered Seifer.
- "Which Hotel?"
- "'Deling Star'." said Seifer '*Scoff* 'Star' my ass…'
- "And what evidence do you have of that?" asked Aldian. Seifer frowned. Things were about to get tough…
- "None." he stated.
- "How come?" asked Aldian sarcastically "Didn't the receptionist see you return to your room?"
- "He was," Seifer hesitated "Asleep."
- "Asleep?" said Aldian, arching both his eyebrows "Excuse me for saying so Mr. Almasy, but this is the most pitiful excuse I've ever heard in my life." Seifer felt the blood in his veins begin to boil.
- "It's not my fault that the situation took such a ridiculous turn." he said, narrowing his eyes.
- "So… You're saying you have no alibi whatsoever to acquit you of the charges of the President's assassination?" asked Aldian.
- "*Pause* No." said Seifer coldly.
- "I see… Why don't we get this over with? Just admit your actions and you have a fair chance of getting away with a life sentence. You can even get out with only a few decades if you behave well in prison." suggested Aldian. Seifer's face turned burning red in anger.
- "I didn't do anything I should be pleading guilty for." he replied through gritted teeth.
- "So you deny that you took any part whatsoever in the President's assassination?" asked the secretary of Justice.
- "Exactly." stated Seifer.
- "Very well… I bel-" Aldian began, but was interrupted by Seifer.
- "There is something I'd like to state though." he said.
- "What is that?" asked Aldian.
- "On the same day, at about 1300 hours I was attacked and rendered unconscious in Deling City. Nothing was stolen or misplaced when I woke up and I had no marks on me or any signs of corporal violence. I believe that the incident had something to do with the President's murder." said Seifer.
- "What makes you believe that?" asked Aldian, raising an eyebrow.
- "I already told you. Nothing stolen, I wasn't hurt either… Doesn't that sound at all suspicious to you?"
- "Are you suggesting something Mr. Almasy?"
- "I'm suggesting that I've been framed." said the blond SeeD.
- "By whom?" asked Aldian.
- "That, I do not know." replied Seifer.
- "I see…" said Aldian, eying Seifer suspiciously "We'll take that into consideration on your trial, since it's on record. Now if you'll stand up and turn around extending your arms please…" said Aldian, retrieving a pair of handcuffs from his pocket.
- "You're taking him away?!" said Quistis, jolting up from her seat.
- "It's part of the protocol, Miss…?" said Aldian looking at Quistis with an eyebrow raised.
- "Trepe. And you can't arrest him without a trial first!" said Quistis, crossing her arms.
- "I'm afraid you're wrong Quistis…" said Cid sighing, taking off his glasses.
Quistis looked at Cid feeling crestfallen. She then turned her desperate gaze on Seifer, looking straight into his eyes. His usually shimmering jade orbs now looked empty and showed no emotion at all. Aldian's two aids walked over to Seifer's chair and pulled him up from each arm, then turned him around. Aldian clicked the handcuffs open preparing to lock them onto Seifer's wrists. Zell bowed his head down, Selphie winced and her hand shot up on her mouth. Irvine sighed deeply, as he rubbed his girlfriend's arms in comfort. Xu looked at Quistis with sorrow, as the tall red-haired Instructor painfully watched the man she loved being taken away. Cid was rubbing his forehead with one hand, while Squall stared at the sight standing rigid.
- "Seifer Almasy…" began Aldian "…you are being charged with the crime of murder against President Sirius Connelly…" he said as he handcuffed him "You have the right to remain silent, as everything you say, can and will be used against you in the court of law."
Selphie whimpered and hid her face inside Irvine's chest. The cowboy hugged her tightly, trying not to crack himself. He was able to make it; however, Quistis wasn't…
- "NO!" she yelled, her eyes full of newly-formed tears "This is a mistake! He's innocent!"
Seifer didn't phrase a word; he just looked at Quistis' azure eyes, mentally pleading her to stop. Zell walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her. Quistis buried her face in her palms, sobbing uncontrollably.
- "Take him away." Aldian ordered his two aids.
- "No…" Quistis whimpered between tears.
Squall looked at her, feeling his heart sink, for one of the few times in his life. He approached Cid, whispered something in his ear. Cid nodded and Squall walked over to Quistis.
- "It's OK Zell…" Squall said to the blond martial artist. Zell nodded and let go of Quistis. Squall held her arm and dragged her out "Come on…" he said, following the three Galbadian officials and Seifer outside the office.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Once outside, Squall and Quistis found the four men waiting outside the elevator. Squall approached them and spoke to Serj Aldian.
- "Requesting permission to escort Seifer Almasy off." he said. Aldian looked at him and then turned over to Quistis.
- "Both of you?" he asked. Squall nodded "Alright…"
Seifer turned over and saw Quistis looking at him with eyes red from tears. He gave her a weak smile, which she returned. The elevator doors opened and the two aids guided Seifer inside. Serj Aldian followed right behind and following him came Squall and Quistis. The six people reached the 1st floor and walked out of the elevator booth. As soon as they did, dozens of pairs of eyes from students darted to them. Everyone was shocked at the sight of Seifer handcuffed; the rumors and comments on what was going on began spreading around…
The six all walked down the stairs, until Aldian and his aids came to a halt right before the entrance.
- "That's as far as I'll let you two come." Aldian said to Quistis and Squall.
- "Can I… have a minute with them?" asked Seifer, speaking for the first time since his arrest. Aldian hesitated a bit, but then nodded.
Seifer approached Squall first.
- "Thank you for your support. I know you were trying to help me." the tall blond said to his brown-haired comrade. Squall seemed a bit taken aback by Seifer's words.
- "We'll figure something out. Don't worry…" said the young Commander, trying to sound confident. Seifer's lips twitched a bit into a tiny smile.
- "Take care of her for me." Seifer said, motioning to Quistis.
Quistis looked at him, at the verge of tears once again. Squall glanced at Quistis' face; sorrow, grief and despair were written all over it. He then turned back to Seifer.
- "You know I will." he said. Seifer nodded.
- "Good…" he said, then walked closer to Quistis.
He leaned in close to her face, kissing her tenderly on the cheek. A tear ran hot on Quistis' face, trickling down porcelain-like skin. Seifer closed his eyes and leaned in again, giving her a soft kiss on the lips. Quistis held his face with both hands, cupping it, as more rivulets of salty tears made their way down her cheeks. Seifer pulled away after a bit, looking deep into her blue eyes.
- "I love you." he said and –surprisingly- winked at her "I'll see you again soon…" he whispered.
Quistis looked at her boyfriend puzzled as he walked back to his three escorts. The two aids walked on Seifer's each side, while Aldian walked behind them. Squall laid a hand on Quistis' shoulder as Seifer walked down the corridor with the three Galbadian officials. The blond's face which was up to now serious, turned into a mischievous grin.
Suddenly, Seifer turned around, hitting Aldian square on the nose with his forehead. The two aids tried to contain him immediately, but Seifer seemed to have broken free. Pulling his wrists outwards, the handcuffs clicked open. He held them in one hand and ducked to avoid one of the soldiers advancing on him. The man fell right on Seifer's back and the latter suddenly pulled up, sending the man flying to the floor. The blond SeeD took a step forward and punched the other soldier on the jaw. He swung the handcuffs right across his neck and grabbed the other side, making the man choke. When he thought he'd weakened him enough, he seized the opportunity and without looking back for a second, he broke into a run, disappearing down the corridor.
Squall and Quistis, who had up to now watched the entire scene wide-eyed, lost no time and ran after him. They caught glimpse of his long black trench coat down the hallways and kept on following him. They came to a halt out in the Front Gates, where the blond man seemed to have disappeared. They looked around frantically, both out of breath.
- "How… the hell… did he… escape…?" asked Squall, panting.
- "I… dunno…" replied Quistis, shaking her head.
She ran a hand through her red locks, trying to catch her breath, and suddenly froze still, staring blankly. Squall noticed that and looked at her confused.
- "What? What's… wrong?" he asked, still breathing heavily.
Quistis had an instant flashback of only a few minutes ago. Right before Seifer got up from his chair, he had caressed her hair and she'd felt something tingling her scalp…
- "He picked the lock…" said Quistis still staring blankly, while a smile spread slowly on her face.
- "With what?" asked Squall raising an eyebrow.
- "My hairpin… He 'stole' one before he got up for the interrogation…" she said, now grinning broadly.
A/N: I just keep torturing those two, don't I? Well, you know what they say; the love between two people will only prove how strong it is through difficult times…
ON THE NEXT CHAPTER OF 'THE BEGINNING, IS THE END, IS THE BEGINNING':
A week has passed since Seifer's disappearance and the atmosphere in Balamb Garden in uptight…