A/N: Another update! *Sigh* They haven't been as common as they should be, but I promise that as soon as my written exams are over, it's gonna get better.
About this chapter, I'd like to give many, many kudos to Chris, my beta. He's the one responsible about many –necessary- changes in Fujin's scene and a good observation about Serj Aldian. Thank you Chris!
Last chapter summary: After being interrogated by the Secretary of Justice, Seifer is found guilty and is about to be arrested, when he escapes…
~*The Beginning, is the End, is the Beginning*~
A sequel to 'Love Conquers All'
By: Sickness in Salvation
Chapter 5: Two new allies
The news about Seifer being charged for murder spread like wildfire among Garden. It had already been a week now since his escape, and although Cid had made it clear to the student body that Seifer had been framed and was trying to prove his innocence, many scenarios began to roam around the whole incident. Many students, mostly Trepies, had shown their faith and support to Quistis, but there where still others who were certain about Seifer's guiltiness. Rinoa and Zuka who hadn't been present on Seifer's questioning by Aldian, were quickly briefed into the situation. Just like everyone else, they believed Seifer's story and were willing to help him.
The Secretary of Justice, Serj Aldian, was incredibly ticked off after Seifer's escape. He suspected Squall and Quistis had aided him somehow at first. She and Squall had spent the entire morning at Cid's office trying to prove that they couldn't have possibly helped Seifer escape since they stood behind him all the time. When he was finally convinced, although still somewhat skeptical, he and his men left immediately for Deling City and declared a bounty on Seifer's head. Now troops of the Galbadian army where 'combing' each and every corner of the globe, looking for him. The media had been jabbering for days about the charges brought upon him and had declared him 'armed and dangerous'.
Quistis had been more than relieved when Seifer had managed to escape, but she was now incredibly worried about his whereabouts. She wasn't afraid he'd been caught; it would be on the news from the first second. But was he alright? He hadn't tried to communicate with her or anyone from Garden during these seven days and her anxiety was slowly building up. She was really surprised on how she managed to get by during the lessons. Her mind had trailed away innumerable times during her classes, but her students almost always showed understanding. She wondered for how much longer she'd have the courage to even appear on the lessons…
It was now 1 p.m. and she had just finished from her last class for the day. She rubbed her rumbling stomach and exited the classroom, heading towards the cafeteria, to meet her friends for their usual lunch get-together. She suddenly felt incredibly guilty for even having an appetite with all those things going on right now, but she just couldn't help it. Besides, the presence of her friends always comforted her. The corridor of the 2nd floor was practically empty at the moment, as all the students had already dispersed from their classes. While she strode down towards the elevator, she heard her cell-phone ring 'Probably the guys… Complaining that I'm late again…' she thought, while digging into her pocket. Without even checking the number, she answered the call.
- "Hello?" she spoke.
- "Quistis, it's me…" a distorted male voice was heard.
The signal was very weak, but Quistis could immediately tell that it was Seifer calling her. She'd recognize his voice anywhere…
- "Seifer?!" she whispered excitedly, just loud enough for him to hear "Oh thank Hyne! Are you alright?" she asked concerned.
- "I'm fine. I'm at a safe place. I can't speak right now though. The phone might be bugged, or the call traced. Can you call me back on this number I'll send you?" he asked.
- "Just give me five minutes. I have to go tell everyone!" said Quistis breathing fast, incredibly thankful to Hyne for keeping his safe.
- "Alright. I'll be waiting." he replied and immediately terminated the call, texting her a phone-number.
Quistis put the phone back in her pocket and made her way flying –literally- to the Cafeteria. Once there, she walked inside calmly, trying not to show her excitement. She strode quickly over to the usual table the gang sat upon, finding them all there, except for Squall. They didn't even get a chance to greet her, as she spoke immediately.
- "Everyone get up and come to my room." she whispered.
- "What's wrong?" asked Zell, raising an eyebrow.
- "Don't yell or anything, but Seifer just called me." she whispered.
- "WHA-?!" began Selphie surprised, but Zuka covered her mouth.
- "Just call Squall and come to my room. Seifer couldn't speak and asked me to call him back." she said.
All of them immediately got up and followed Quistis to the Dorms. Rinoa quickly dialed Squall's number from her cell and told him to hurry over to Quistis and Seifer's dorm. The six friends soon made their way to the room and closed the door shut.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
- "Well?!" asked Irvine as soon as they got inside the room "What did he say? Where is he?"
- "Is he alright?" asked Selphie.
- "He said he's safe, but he didn't tell me where he was. He thought the phone might be under surveillance." Quistis replied.
- "Good thinking." said Zuka.
- "Here." said Rinoa handing Quistis her phone "Call him from mine."
- "Thanks…" said Quistis, dialing the phone number she was checking on the screen of her own cell.
She waited a bit for the connection to be made. Everyone sat down somewhere, waiting eagerly. Just then, Squall knocked and came in. Zell motioned to him to remain silent and Squall closed the door behind him, leaning against it. Quistis paced back and forth the room, as the phone rang four times. On the fifth, someone answered.
- "Hello?" said a familiar female voice. The signal was still somewhat distorted.
- "Fujin?" asked Quistis puzzled "Is that you?"
- "Quistis!" replied Fujin excitedly "Hold on. I'll get Seifer…"
Quistis waited for a few seconds for Seifer to come to the phone. The others were looking at her questioningly at the mentioning of Fujin's name. Quistis just shrugged and shook her head in ignorance. After a couple of seconds, Seifer answered the phone.
- "Quis?" he said eagerly.
- "Seifer where are you?! I'm worried crazy over here! Everyone is…" said Quistis.
- "*Sigh* I know kitten, but I couldn't contact you until I found a place to hide…" said Seifer.
- "Are you with Fujin and Raijin?" she asked.
- "Yes, in this village in northern Galbadia called Winhill." he replied.
- "Northern Galbadia?! Are you insane?! Might as well stroll right into Deling City!" she said exasperated. All of them gasped.
- "Don't worry… I know what I'm doing. I contacted Raij and Fuj immediately and they called me back right after the Galbadians had searched the village. It's safe, really. No-one saw me come here." he said.
- "How long have you been there?" Quistis asked.
- "I just got here yesterday at night. I didn't want to call you then to make you even more worried." Seifer replied.
- "Hyne…" said Quistis touching her forehead "What are we going to do now? We need to prove your innocence somehow…"
- "I know… But for the meantime I really need to see you… Is there any chance you could come over somehow? Just for a little bit so…"
- "Of course I'll come!" Quistis interrupted him.
- "We all will!" popped in Selphie, just loud enough for Seifer to hear.
- "No! It'll be too suspicious! I'll go." said Quistis.
- "Quistis, let me speak to Seifer for a moment." said Squall.
- "Take Squall…" said Quistis, handing the phone to him.
- "Listen Seifer, we'll all try to come for just one day to see what we'll do from now on. And maybe Quistis will be able to stay longer, but if we all do, it'll draw way too much attention." said Squall.
- "Yeah, I know…" said Seifer.
- "Is there anywhere we could spend one night, passing un-noticed?" asked Squall.
- "You can all stay here, ya know." Raijin's voice was heard from the background.
- "Tell Raijin we really appreciate it, but the seven of us can't possibly stay over at their place. Maybe if not all of us come…" began Squall.
- "Oh no… Trust me, you can all stay here. Their house is pretty big…" said Seifer.
- "Are you sure?" asked Squall in disbelief.
- "Dead sure." replied Seifer.
- "Alright, we'll try to be here tonight if possible, so as not to draw attention. We'll contact you back on this number, OK?" said the SeeD Commander.
- "Great, great… Thanks a lot, really… Can I have Quis back?" asked Seifer.
- "Sure…" said Squall, handing the phone back to Quistis.
- "Hey…" said Quistis.
- "Hey…" said Seifer.
- "Even if no-one else is able to come, I'll be there tonight." she told him.
- "Hyne, I missed you…" said Seifer sighing.
- "I missed you too…" she said, her face frowning.
- "Dammit… I want to see you, but I'm still not sure if it's a good idea. I might be endangering you…" he said.
- "I don't care." said Quistis firmly "I'm still coming."
- "OK… I gotta go now… I hope to see you tonight… Love you…" said Seifer.
- "I love you too, Seifer…" said Quistis.
She hung up the phone and handed it back to Rinoa. She sat down on the bed between Irvine and Selphie, who put their hands on her shoulders.
- "See Quisty?" said Selphie smiling "He's OK."
- "Yeah…" said Quistis, covering her face in her palms "But for how long?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Cid Kramer was sitting behind his desk going through some new admissions for students in Garden. He sighed as he came across many obviously inept candidates whose only 'military trait' was a hefty amount of cash to provide to Garden. Not that money was ever unwanted in an academy of mercenaries, but Cid might have preferred a few more capable soldiers than rich incompetent kids… However, he signed the admissions anyway…
He had been going through that paperwork for quite some time, until he got a knock on his door. He removed his glasses, actually glad that someone was interrupting him and rubbed his sore neck.
- "Come in…" he said wearily.
As if Hyne had sensed his boredom, she was kind enough to provide him with the company of not only one, but seven visitors. Squall and co. entered the Headmaster's office, saluting him as soon as they got the door closed behind them.
- "At ease, everyone. In what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" asked Cid.
- "We've got some very important news Headmaster, sir." said Squall taking a step in front "We received a call from Seifer just now."
- "Really?!" said Cid sitting up on his chair "Where is he? Is he safe?"
- "He's currently in Winhill, with former Garden students Fujin Wong and Raijin Takeshi. They're hiding him over at their house in the aforementioned village. No-one knows of his presence there, but us." replied Squall, crossing his arms behind his back.
- "That crazy boy…" said Cid, rubbing his temples "I'm glad he's out of harm's way, but he just went and got himself into more trouble by his escape…"
- "If I may speak sir…" intervened Quistis "I hereby request permission to be relieved of all my tasks. I need to take a long-term hiatus in order to help Seifer gather evidence to prove his innocence. He won't be able to do anything while there's a bounty on his head."
- "I would really like to help you Quistis… and Seifer of course, but your classes…" began Cid.
- "If it means taking away my Instructor's license, I'll go with it. All I'm asking for is to be able to return to Garden as a SeeD after this matter is done with." she said firmly.
Cid looked at her utterly surprised. If she was ready to quit a position she worked so hard to regain, she must have her heart really set on helping Seifer. The strict Headmaster couldn't help but feel slightly moved by her statement. He didn't have the heart to strip her of her license again. Besides, Edea would have his head if he pulled something like that…
- "*Sigh* I'm sure we'll get someone to replace you temporarily… You can keep your license…" replied Cid.
- "Thank you sir." said Quistis, smiling broadly at the Headmaster.
- "Anyway… Please keep me informed of the investigation progress at all times, so…" Cid began.
- "Umm, sir? Sorry to interrupt you…" Irvine popped in "…but we'd all like to request a hiatus from our responsibilities for a while…"
Cid looked at the six of them with eyes wide open.
- "All of you?" he asked "I made an exception on Quistis' case due to her, erm… relationship, with Seifer, but I couldn't possibly have all of you away for Hyne knows how long!"
- "Of course sir, Irvine didn't put it correctly…" said Squall "The rest of us are only asking for one day off to visit Winhill and decide on what our plan will be from now on. Only Quistis will be the one staying. We'll all be back." finished Squall. Cid sighed.
- "In that case, I'm granting you one day off. Just one. Then I want you all back." he said "When are you leaving?"
- "The sooner the better. We thought we'd fly there tonight and be back here tomorrow night." said Quistis.
- "We want to pass unnoticed in Winhill." added Zell.
- "Any sign of all seven of us will be highly suspicious and will draw attention." said Rinoa.
- "And we were also hoping you could somehow cover up our absence in Garden." said Zuka.
- "That's right… We need to keep this operation secret." said Cid, falling deep in thought.
- "You could say we went over to Centra for a matter concerning Matron." suggested Selphie.
- "That might do… Will you be needing anything?" asked Cid.
- "One SeeD aircraft to fly us to Winhill this afternoon. We want to arrive there at nightfall." replied Squall.
- "Alright…" said Cid opening his top drawer.
He took out a form from the top of a stack full of them. He reached for his pen resting on the desk and scribbled something on the paper. He signed it and handed it to Squall.
- "Here you go." he said "That should grant you entrance to the aircraft. Be out in the Front Gate at 1900 hours sharp. Dismissed."
- "Thank you sir." said Squall.
The seven SeeDs saluted their Headmaster and exited his office, retiring to their rooms to get ready for their short trip to Winhill.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Quistis was inside her dorm, packing clothes and things into a suitcase. The others might be only staying for one night, but she was going to stay for as long as Seifer needed her. Besides, she had to bring him some clothes as well. He'd left in such a state that -of course- didn't allow him to pack anything. As she filled up the suitcase her thoughts traveled to what they'd have to face now that Seifer was literally wanted within the entire globe. The Galbadians where no amateurs and they'd try to hunt him down anyway they possibly could. Quistis didn't think he'd be able to hide forever… The question was: would she be able to help him in time?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seven SeeDs and a dog made their way down the main Hall, towards the entrance and to the Front Gate. All of them were carrying a back-pack with a change of clothes for the night, except for Quistis who was carrying a suitcase. It was five to seven and it was time for their flight to Winhill. When they got to the Front Gate, they found a SeeD aircraft waiting for them. Cid had made sure that the word spread that they were on their way to Centra for a matter of Edea's, so none of them shot them any weird glares on their way there.
Once having approached the aircraft, Squall walked over to the captain waiting at the entrance of the hangar and saluted him.
- "Welcome Commander Leonhart." said the captain "I presume you have clearance to board the aircraft…"
- "Of course…" said Squall, retrieving Cid's signed piece of paper from his pocket "Here you go." he added, handing it to him.
The captain unfolded the yellow piece of paper and read it:
SEED AIRCRAFT CLEARANCE FORM
I, Headmaster Cid Kramer , hereby grant permission to Commander Squall Leonhart and his companions , to board one of the SeeD aircrafts used for missions only.
Signed,
Cid Kramer
The captain folded the piece of paper and put it in his SeeD uniform pocket. He stepped aside the hangar entrance and motioned his hand inside.
- "Right this way Commander." he said, allowing everyone to walk inside first.
He raised an eyebrow at the sight of a brown-furred dog following the seven SeeD, but shrugged and followed suit himself.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The SeeD aircraft was approaching the small village of Winhill. Night had spread its dark veil upon the clear sky and the eerie silence was only pierced by the sound of the craft's engine. The seven friends were flying over the banks of the river leading to the small, secluded village at the moment. The aircraft began descending, until it smoothly landed on the surface of the riverbed, becoming seaborne. The gate of the hangar slowly opened and a small steel boat appeared, with eight people boarding on it; the seven aforementioned and a SeeD driving the small vessel.
The boat made its way through the rather shallow waters, heading towards the isolated cliffside of the village. The only lights they allowed themselves to have on, were those of the vessel. Otherwise, the surrounding environment was completely dark. Soon, they were merely 150 feet away from the shore and all they were able to see was the shadow of a person waiting for them on the small platform. Squall squinted his eyes towards the shadowy figure and spoke.
- "Must be Fujin…" he said "Right on time…" he added, glancing at his digital watch.
Within less than two minutes, the vessel reached the platform and stopped. Everyone could now clearly make out Fujin's figure, who was standing there, lightly smiling at them. Squall got out of the boat first and approached her.
- "Fujin." he said, saluting her. Fujin simply nodded "No-one followed you here, right?"
- "No. I was careful." replied the silver-haired woman.
Squall noticed that she was no longer wearing an eye patch, allowing the world to see her differently colored eyes. While the one she had always let uncovered was in its usual brown color, the other one was a lot more reddish. Squall wondered why she had bothered to hide it in the first place. Sure, it might have looked weird to someone upon seeing her for the first time, but she was a pretty girl nonetheless, who just spoiled her face with that black eye patch.
Zell walked right behind Squall, giving Fujin a wave, while Irvine helped the girls out of the vessel. Angelo, followed Rinoa and let out a bar at the sight of Fujin.
- "Shh!" said Rinoa at her dog, pressing her index finger against her lips "Be quiet Angelo!" she scolded in a whisper. Angelo rested his tail down disappointedly.
- "You just had to bring him over, didn't you?" said Squall kind of angrily, earning a glare from Rinoa.
Quistis, who was the last one out, gave the driver of the boat permission to return to the aircraft and leave. She approached Fujin as well and was really surprised when the latter pulled her into a hug.
- "Thank you." she said, once pulling back.
- "For what?" asked Quistis puzzled.
- "For taking such good care of him." she said, smiling at her. Quistis returned the smile.
- "Is he alright Fujin?" she asked concerned.
- "Fine. You'll for yourself." replied Fujin "Come on." she said, motioning everyone to follow her.
The seven teenagers followed Fujin on the abandoned trail she was leading them to. The small, narrow path ran right around the village, obviously ending at some point to her and Raijin's house.
- "Fujin?" asked Zell at some point "Where are you staying anyway?"
- "The old mansion." she replied.
All of them shared puzzled looks. It was common knowledge that Fujin was among the richest students ever to pass from Garden. She came from a really well-off family; her father used to be a General for the army of Balamb. However, no-one could imagine how she could have gotten hold of that mansion. Even her family's income wouldn't be able to afford a place like that. Reading the looks on their faces, Fujin spoke again.
- "Heritage from my uncle who passed away a few months ago." she said.
All of them, except for Zuka, immediately knew who Fujin was talking about. They'd visited the village of Winhill during the last Sorceress war and had met the man who lived there at the time with his wife. Squall now knew what Seifer had meant when he said that they could all stay over at their place; it was undoubtedly huge. Selphie smiled inwardly as she remembered that the couple thought their house had been haunted by ghosts, while it had been just a small chicobo who had caused all the raucous. Either way, she shook herself mentally as she heard Fujin saying that her uncle had died.
- "Sorry about that…" she said "My condolences."
- "Thank you." said Fujin.
- "So… You and Raijin are an item now, huh?" asked Irvine.
Fujin shot him an icy glare, hoping that the darkness would cover her somewhat red cheeks. She hardly knew the cowboy; she only recognized him as part of Squall's team.
- "Hey, hey sorry… I was only askin'!" said Irvine, his voice shaking a bit as Fujin's glare send shivers all over his skin.
Fujin's features became milder after Irvine's apology. She didn't like to answer personal questions… However, she realized the man was just trying to be nice and gave him a nod. A very stern one, but still… a nod.
The rest of the walk was a silent one. Squall glanced at Fujin from time to time; he'd always expected her to speak in nothing but short and loud sentences. However, she'd proven them wrong many months ago, aboard the Lunatic Pandora, where she had let out a heartfelt speech about her and Raijin's feelings on Seifer's change. He had realized then, that she could speak just as normally as every other person. She probably only spoke in short sentences in an attempt to intimidate others. Or perhaps to maintain her strict stature and avoid being singled out and judged by her monetary status. It was common belief in Garden that many well-off students were into the academy just for the social appeal of the occupation of SeeD and had no real skills whatsoever. And Squall was quite certain that Fujin would die before letting anyone believe that. Either way, he was glad to see that she felt comfortable enough with all of them to speak normally, although for a second there, after Irvine's comment, Squall would have swore that he expected her to yell out something along the lines of 'PAIN!' and kick the shit out of the cowboy…
After about five minutes, the eight teenagers and the brown-furred dog reached a fork. Fujin took the left path, which eventually led them at the top part of the village's square, right next to the mansion. Cautiously, all of them made the way to the entrance, where Fujin gently knocked on the wooden doors. A few second later, a maid appeared at the door greeting Fujin and her visitors.
The seven friends along with Angelo walked inside the large house, looking around them impressed. They had definitely done a really good job with that place. The main Hall was sparkly clean. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, while luxurious furniture adorned the place. The two large wooden stairways inside were polished to perfection and covered with cream-white carpet. Two other maids took their coats, while the one who'd let them in, walked over to the doors of the living room, right between the 'gulf' the stairways created, opening them. They all heard a small conversation and after a couple of seconds Raijin emerged from inside. He smiled broadly and spread his arms open.
- "Welc-" he began, but was interrupted by Seifer, who rushed out to the Hall, knocking him on the shoulder "Damn, Seifer… I was gonna welcome them properly, ya know?"
Seifer ignored him and looked around the small group of people gathered there and spotted the one he'd barged out there for.
- "Seifer!" Quistis shouted excitedly and ran towards him.
- "Quistis!" said the tall blond in the exact same tone, approaching her in a run as well.
Quistis threw herself into his arms, burying her face under his shoulder. Seifer wrapped his arms tightly around her and caressed her hair. Everyone inside the Hall went silent, as Quistis began weeping almost silently. Seifer held her tighter and gently pushed her face back.
- "Hey, hey…" he said in a voice just above a whisper, wiping her cheeks with one finger "What's this? The Quistis I know is strong… She doesn't cry…" he said, pulling a strand of hair away from her face.
- "I… was… so worried…" Quistis said between sobs, trying to breathe properly.
- "Shh…" he said, as she buried her face in his arms again "It's OK now…" he added, gently rocking her.
The couple stayed like that for a while, as all pairs of eyes locked upon them 'Quisty has been really emotional these days…' thought Rinoa 'Not that I can blame her of course, but it's still really strange for her…' . The eight people continued to watch the exchange between the two, feeling slightly awkward. At some point, Seifer gently pushed Quistis away and put his arm around her shoulders.
- "We'll be waiting inside…" he said to everyone, walking with Quistis back in the living room.
Angelo followed them, barking at Seifer happily. Seifer was delighted to see anyone, even the dog he used to call a 'mutt'. He smiled and stroked Angelo's head affectionately, letting him follow them inside the living room. The couple disappeared behind the two large doors, leaving everyone else inside the Hall. They all shared awkward grins, until Raijin broke the silence.
- "Either way… As I was sayin', welcome to our house!" he said.
- "Thank you Raijin, Fujin, for having us." said Squall "I believe not all of you are acquainted with each other… at least not properly…" he began "Well, you know Zell and Quistis… This is Selphie Tilmitt, Irvine Kinneas, Rinoa Heartilly and Shizuka Ross." he said, pointing at every person he mentioned, while they nodded or waved at them "This is Fujin Wong and Raijin Takeshi."
- "Pleased to meet you…" said Fujin, slightly bowing at them.
- "Pleased to meet ya, ya know." said Raijin "Leave your things here in the Hall, we'll have someone take them up for ya." he suggested "Oy, Locke!" he shouted, calling the maid who had opened the door.
Fujin shot him a cold glare and gave him a hard kick on the shin.
- "RAGE!" she yelled.
Raijin howled in pain and Fujin cleared her throat, regaining composure.
- "Locke, will you and someone else please take up our guests' luggage?" she asked politely.
- "Of course Miss Wong." said the maid nodding and walking to the kitchens to call someone.
- "That's how you address the personnel…" said Fujin to Raijin, making him grin awkwardly.
- "Hey, why don't you come over to the living room, ya know? We'll have a drink and talk about what ya came for." Raijin suggested.
- "We'd love that." said Rinoa smiling warmly and followed the couple to the living room, just like everyone else did.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The five couples were all sitting in the huge living room of Fujin and Raijin's house. Everyone was sitting down on the big comfortable couches of the room, except for Seifer and Quistis who were sitting on the thick carpet, close to the fireplace, with Angelo next to them, almost asleep by the heat of the fire. Quistis had now calmed down and was resting her back on Seifer's chest, while he held her tightly, resting his chin on her shoulder giving her light pecks from time to time.
- "…So when Fujin learned about her uncle, we came here for the will and she found out about this place, ya know?" Raijin explained how they'd moved there "And since we liked the house and the place so much, we left FH and came to live here. We can still fish here in the river and have a quiet life, since we decided to leave the mercenary life, ya know?"
- "I didn't know you liked to fish…" said Squall.
- "Oh yeah! We used to do it all the time with Seifer!" exclaimed Raijin.
- "You fish?" Quistis asked Seifer, who nodded "I didn't know that…" she said smiling.
- "Good for you… They say it's good for the nerves…" said Zell grinning at Seifer. Seifer merely scoffed and smirked.
- "So, how long have you lived here?" asked Selphie.
- "About two months." replied Fujin.
- "And how do you like this village?" asked Zuka.
- "It's really great, ya know. Not the peak of technology of course, but it's calm and quiet, ya know." answered Fujin.
- "So how did you find them?" Quistis asked Seifer.
- "I went to Fujin's uncle's funeral right before coming to Garden. We've kept contact ever since then. We talk pretty often." Seifer replied.
- "So, Seifer called us as soon as he left Balamb, ya know. He told us about the situation and we told him he should hide here." said Raijin.
- "Yeah, but isn't it dangerous, being right under their noses?" asked Rinoa.
- "On the contrary." said Fujin "They won't expect him to hide here. Besides, we waited until they searched the village and then told Seifer to come here."
- "So how long do you plan to stay here?" Irvine asked Seifer.
- "I dunno…" Seifer said shrugging.
- "Well, until you prove you're innocent, you can stay here, ya know?" suggested Raijin.
- "Thanks for the offer Raijin, I appreciate it greatly, but I'm putting you in way too much danger. Besides, the townspeople are bound to notice me at some point. And I can't stay among four walls for much longer." said Seifer.
- "Hey, what about going to the orphanage in Centra?" suggested Selphie "I spoke with Matron, right before we left and she said she'd really like to have you there."
- "Oh, yeah, it'd be perfect!" exclaimed Zell "There aren't any cities near the vicinity for miles!"
- "And it's just been rebuilt." added Irvine.
- "There aren't any children there yet, it would be perfect." added Zuka.
- "I agree Seifer. It's the best place." said Squall.
- "What do you say, Quis?" Seifer asked her.
- "Everyone's right. You'll be safe with Matron." she replied "Besides, I'm coming too."
- "You know… I don't think that'll be a very good idea…" said Squall.
- "Why not?" asked Quistis raising an eyebrow.
- "You can stay with him for a while, but if you're away for too long it'll be suspicious…" he replied.
- "*Sigh* As much as I hate to be away from you, he's right…" said Seifer.
- "Maybe you could go to Centra from time to time. Just be back in Garden long enough to erase any suspicions." suggested Rinoa.
- "Maybe…" said Quistis sighing "We'll see… I'll come with you for a few days and then we'll decide…"
- "So you're going?" Squall asked Seifer.
- "Yeah, as soon as possible." replied Seifer.
- "What about tomorrow?" suggested Zell.
- "That soon?" asked Seifer.
- "Why not?" said Squall shrugging "We're leaving tomorrow as well. We can arrange for an aircraft to come and pick you and Quistis up, to fly you there."
- "Hey, we can come for a while too, ya know?" suggested Raijin. Fujin nodded.
- "Sure, I'd like that…" said Seifer, smiling at them.
- "Alright then…" said Irvine "Tomorrow morning we talk about the plan, call Edea and first thing at night we all leave." he suggested.
- "Fair enough…" agreed Squall "I'm beat right now…"
- "No wonder…" said Rinoa, checking her watch "It's already a quarter past midnight."
- "Right…" said Raijin getting up "We'll show ya to your rooms, ya know. Come on Fuj…" he added, putting an arm around his girlfriend's shoulders.
The five couples made their way out of the living room and walked up the stairs. Raijin and Fujin showed everyone to their rooms and then went to sleep themselves.
A/N: Fujin and Raijin have made their comeback… I'd forgotten how cool she was.
ON THE NEXT CHAPTER OF 'THE BEGINNING, IS THE END, IS THE BEGINNING':
The 'gang' make up their plan to help Seifer…