Disclaimer - I don't own Final Fantasy VIII okay! I don't own anything but
the cat the dog and some fish! I'm poor and I operate from a ghetto
computer that people make fun of! *whimpers*
Right to Fight....Round One
Irvine leaned back in his chair and reread his last class's lesson plan. A firm hand took hold of his ankle and removed his foot from the edge of the table. His foot fell to the floor below and landed on the well worn heel of his boot. Irvine cringed at the sharp sensation it sent through his lower leg. He looked over to where the seat across from him was being pulled out.
"Heard you wanted to talk Kinneas," Seifer's voice held no emotion as he scanned over the cafeteria.
Irvine turned at his voice and sat his notebook down. "Don't call me that. Irvine is fine."
"Yeah sure, whatever."
"Right," Irvine looked him over. "I uh, asked Fujin to tell ya to meet me here 'cause I need to ask ya somethin'." Seifer leaned against the back of his chair and rubbed his chin absent-mindedly. Irvine leaned forward on his elbows and examined the finish on the table. "Do ya consider us at least somewhat acquaintances?"
An amused grin crossed Seifer's face. Irvine shot him an uncomfortable and confused look. "Yeah sure we're friends. Tell anyone and die though."
Irvine muffled a laugh. "Sure thing." Seifer grinned in response.
"Why?"
"Well um, I'm gettin' married in about a month."
"So?" Seifer asked as he examined the ragged stitching on his trench coat.
Irvine watched his apparent disinterest in the conversation with interest. 'He's gettin' really good at lookin' impassive.' "I wanted to ask if ya wanted to be best man," Irvine covered his mouth after he quickly uttered the statement.
Seifer turned to look at him with surprised eyes. "Whoa there cowboy are you feeling okay?" He raised an eyebrow and then looked around to make sure no one else had heard. " can't be doing that."
"Why not?" Irvine asked.
Seifer released an exasperated sigh. "Look, I still have a reputation."
"So?" Irvine asked. "All you do is stand there."
"I'll have to give a speech at the reception."
"Ya won't because you'll have to talk in public?" Irvine asked.
"No," Seifer shot back. "What about your other friends. You know, the ones that don't attack and occupy your alma mater and try and kill you. Trust me they're better picks. Better yet, ask that Nira kid. He could use the recognition of being best man."
"His name's Nida, and no I don't want him to be best man. I want you to be."
"Why cowboy!?" Seifer asked as he let his hands fall to the table.
Irvine jumped at the impact but continued nonetheless. "Because ya really helped me when I really needed it. Because this is really the only way I can think to thank ya. I'll put ya above the other groomsmen. I owe ya that."
"I bought some baby wipes and a mobile and I get this?" Seifer argued through clenched teeth.
"Not only that but ya helped Selphie out that day with Nikki," Irvine countered as he too leaned over the table and met Seifer halfway. "Ya have no idea how much I owe ya. I thought askin' ya would be an honor."
Seifer was silent for a moment and then grinned. "Okay. Sure thing cowboy."
Irvine released the breath he was holding and then looked around at all the SeeDs and students alike that were frozen in their seats as they watched them in anticipation. "Get out of my business," Seifer growled at them. Once they'd all turned back around quickly, he narrowed his eyes in Irvine's direction. "The hell?"
"What?" Irvine asked.
"Irvine," Edea's voice interrupted. Irvine turned quickly to see her holding Toby. "He had a small accident. I thought I'd show you before your next class."
"What'd you do, try and knock him out?" Seifer joked as he looked at Toby's purple eye. Irvine examined his eye and then lifted him from Edea's arms.
"What happened to ya?" Irvine asked as he rubbed his thumb just below Toby's eye.
"He fell down and bumped his face on the coffee table," Edea answered as she rubbed Toby's back. "He'll be fine." Irvine looked at her skeptically and then held Toby's still whimpering form a little closer.
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When Nikki had left them in the store, they were more than thankful. Selphie handed the cashier enough gil to cover her purchases and turned to Rinoa. "Can you get that bag?"
"I may be pregnant but I'm not helpless," Rinoa said softly. Selphie shrugged apologetically.
"I didn't mean anything by it," She smiled as she pushed the cart near the store's exit.
"I know," Rinoa answered. "I'm just practicing for whenever Squall decides that I'm not fit to do anything for myself." Selphie smiled in response but the smile faded when she looked over to where Irvine's pickup was parked. Rinoa noticed as well and gradually stopped walking.
"Come on Rin. We have a lot of things to get done today," Selphie said as she ignored Nikki. Rinoa watched a bit hesitantly as Nikki leaned back against the windshield and reclined on the hood of the truck.
"Go on Rin," Nikki said mockingly. "My business isn't with you anyway." Rinoa walked slowly past her and then placed her bag in the back of the truck.
"What do you want?" Selphie asked as she came around to the front of the truck. Nikki stared at her silently and tossed her cigarette down. Quietly, she slid down from the hood of the light blue truck and stepped towards Selphie. Rinoa marveled at how Selphie stood her ground against the much taller and more muscled girl.
"I want my life back ya theivin' bitch," Nikki stepped right up in front of Selphie.
Selphie started to say something but stopped short. Nikki frowned at her lack of speech.
"Ya haven't a damn clue what I'm talkin' about have ya?" Nikki paced a circle and ran her fingers through her hair. "I'm talkin' about Irvine. Ya had no right!" Selphie narrowed her eyes. "Irvine was mine! He was the greatest thing that ever happened in my life and I screwed it up! He was the only person that ever gave a damn about what happened ta me!" Nikki shouted as she leaned back against the bed of the truck. "I screwed up and it took me longer than it should've ta realize it. I went back to Blue Gales lookin' for Irvine long before there was ever any talk about a sorceress or Esthar. Max told me he'd moved away. I searched for him. Too bad I didn't think to check Galbadia Garden until he was gone."
Selphie stood rigidly, eyes fixed on Nikki. "He said you were going to have an abortion because you didn't want a baby and that's why things didn't work out."
"So what if I did?" Nikki shook her head. "Its none of your business. I was barely seventeen and in no position ta raise a kid. I'm sure he's told ya about how he had ta sleep on the floors and how sometimes getting two meals a day was really a treat." Selphie nodded numbly. "Well he's not the only one who had to live that way. Just about everyone in Blue Gales lived in substandard shacks or barely scraped up enough food to feed themselves. What was I supposed to do? Have a baby so I could listen to it cryin' in the middle of the night 'cause I couldn't provide it with enough to eat? Times were tough for everyone! I know how he managed to care for our baby and I'd bet what little I own to say that you haven't got a clue." She smirked as she shook her head. "He made some real sacrifices and proved how capable he really was when it came to carin' for other people. I knew his guardian had died. I knew about it the day after old man Kinneas was buried. But ya notice that I didn't take Toby. Even if I'd been sure where Irvine was keepin' him, I wouldn't have taken him. That woulda been like takin' away part of Irvine's heart. And he's not the kind of person that can stand bein' alone.
"I grew up while we were separated. And I realized that there was no way I could ever be so cruel as to take my baby away from his father. I also realized how much I loved him." Nikki stood up straight and put her hands on his hips. "That's why you have no right to just walk into his life and take him from me! You're playin' Mama to a baby that isn't yours, and you're involved with a man that for damn sure isn't yours."
"I'm sorry things haven't worked out in your life, but there's no way I'm going to step down and let you take my place," Selphie said a little unsurely. "Actually, there's no way you could ever take my place. I've heard all about you. I made a few calls after your first visit to some people back in Blue Gales."
Nikki narrowed her eyes and quickly pulled her hair back into a ponytail. "This is the last time I'm goin' to tell ya to stay the hell away from him. Don't think I won't fight you."
"Don't think I'm afraid of you," Selphie countered with the courage she didn't realize she had. Before Selphie could respond, Nikki had already pushed her up against the car parked behind her. Selphie kicked Nikki in the stomach and pushed her back against the side of the truck.
Nikki grimaced to keep from crying out when she popped her back on the truck's side-view mirror and fell to one knee. "I guess no one told ya my night job huh," She laughed as she looked over at Selphie.
"I don't care. I guess no one told you I fought beside Irvine against Ultimecia," Selphie countered as she prepared for another attack.
Nikki narrowed her eyes as she quickly regained her footing and hit Selphie on her cheek. Selphie fell, and would've hit her head on the pavement had she not twisted around and caught herself on her hands. In the same instant she kicked Nikki's legs out from under her and managed to regain her footing. She quickly bent down and grabbed Nikki by her hair and slung her up against the truck.
"Ahh," Nikki cried out as she fell to the ground and rolled underneath the large vehicle. Rinoa nervously stepped back unsure of where the fight was going to progress.
"I talked to Max. You did look for Irvine. You also knew Toby was staying with Max. That's how you found out about old man Kinneas. He also told me that you left without seeing Toby," Selphie said as she wiped at the small amount of blood on her cheek. "He also told me you're a bouncer at some Deling Bar and that you didn't try to reach Irvine at Galbadian Garden, because he told you Irvine hadn't moved but rather commuted from Blue Gales."
Nikki came out from under the other side of the truck and quickly slid over the hood to catch Selphie off guard. She lunged forward again and tackled Selphie to the ground. Underneath the stronger girl, Selphie pushed her back and knocked her into the side of the truck. Nikki's head hit the glass on the driver side window, shattering it. Selphie watched as Nikki staggered forward and then fell to one knee. She cast a quick glance to Rinoa who looked a little paler than normal. 'Great,' Selphie thought. 'She's getting nervous. That can't be too good for the baby if it makes her sick.' Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp blow to the stomach that leveled her. For a brief instant, everything grew black. She felt another sharp blow to her stomach as she was knocked onto her back. She rolled onto her side and curled up into a fetal position. Nikki wasted no time in pulling her up off the ground by her hair and slinging her onto the car parked next to the truck. Selphie took it as an opportunity to get away and rolled off the otherside of the hood. She leaned against another vehicle for support as she caught her breath.
"Well its obvious ya let him do the fightin' against that sorceress. Cause ya for damn sure aren't that good at it," Nikki taunted. Through the hair that blocked her vision, Nikki approaching.
"I'm just getting started," Selphie tried to encourage herself. Nikki laughed at the statement and started walking around the car. Selphie used her temporary barrier to her advantage and hopped up onto the hood and then onto Nikki. Rinoa watched as Selphie's shoulder caught Nikki across her throat, knocking her backwards onto her back. There was a sickening crack and Selphie and Rinoa both grimaced. Nikki lay unmoving on the damp pavement for a moment and then slowly and shakily pushed herself up. She staggered around for a few moments and then sat her sights on Selphie.
"This is going too far. This ends now," Rinoa's voice said shakily as she lifted her right hand up in the air and turned her wrist gently. She then swept it down in Nikki's direction, knocking the taller girl back into someone else's truck. Nikki stood petrified.
"What the hell!" She shrieked. "Your a damn witch!" Selphie noticed with some satisfaction that Nikki's skin was so pale it was nearly transparent.
"Sorceress. Get it right," Rinoa said sternly. Selphie stood up next to her and looked at Nikki.
"Don't you ever come near me or my family again. You gave them up so move on," Selphie said with renewed confidence. Both Selphie and Rinoa stood silent as they watched Nikki slowly back away.
________________________________________________________________________
Irvine trudged down the hall with Toby right beside him. He smiled at the sight of his son, who was still gently touching the soft spot around his eye.
"I'll tell ya right now. Teachin' is a lot more work than I realized," Irvine said in a playful tone. Toby looked up at him and winced.
"Ouch," He whined as he touched his eye again.
"Stop touchin' it then," Irvine laughed as he hefted his son up and unlocked his door. Selphie was sitting on the area rug staring silently out the window. Irvine quietly shut the door and gave his hat to Toby to keep the boy occupied. "Is everything alright?" He asked as he stood behind her. It wasn't often she wore his clothes, especially his pants. He watched as she rolled the legs of the navy jogging pants up some. He could now see her toes, but she still wasn't talking. "What's wrong?" He carefully sat down next to her and ran a hand along her arm.
"I ran into Nikki today," She said absently as she pulled her hair up into a ponytail.
"Oh," Irvine stated. "What happened?"
"We fought," Selphie answered as she looked off to the side.
"What!" Irvine raised his voice for the first time in front of Selphie. She jumped and turned quickly to look at him. He paled at the cut that ran along the underside of her eye, and the purple tint the skin around it was taking. "She did this?" Irvine was on the verge of loosing his temper. "That bitch," He mumbled under his breath. "Where did you see her?"
"Don't worry about it," Selphie said.
"Ya come home with a shiner and tell me not to worry about it?" Irvine looked around the room in dismay.
"Please just drop it," Selphie yelled in response. "Its over with okay. Its all over." Irvine once again sat down next to her and wrapped his arms around her. In the hallway, Toby sat with the hat hugged against his chest. He listened intently to their shouts and closed his eyes tightly.
"I'm sorry Darlin'," Irvine whispered. "I really wish she'd leave us alone. Ya shouldn't have to go through all this."
"I will if I have to," Selphie said as she leaned into him.
"I'll get things straightened out. Don't worry about this happenin' again."
Selphie closed her eyes as she was gently rocked in his embrace. A nearly inaudible sound began to make itself known to them. Irvine stilled himself as he listened.
"Toby," He said as he quickly found his feet and hurried into the hall. Sitting against the wall, Toby pushed his hat away and crossed his arms. Irvine sighed and knelt down beside him. "Toby?" Selphie watched as Toby looked up at Irvine and narrowed his eyes. He sniffed a few times, causing Irvine to pick him up whether he liked it or not. "What's the matter?" Irvine asked.
Toby instinctively squirmed to get down and then reached for Selphie to take him. She took hold of his outstretched hand and then shot Irvine an apologetic look. "Must have been the yelling," She said softly. Irvine nodded in agreement but still looked upset by Toby's reaction. A knock came from the door and Irvine used it as an excuse to leave the situation. He quickly hit the release button on the door and was surprised when Cid and Edea stepped inside unannounced.
"Hello Dear," Edea smiled at him. "Is Selphie here with you?"
"I'm right here," Selphie said as she stepped out of the hallway. Edea turned to her and smiled. "Cid and I need to talk to you." Irvine noticed with some uneasiness that she held Selpie's folder under her arm.
"Oh, okay," Selphie sat down with Toby in her lap. Irvine carefully sat down next to her. He nervously ran his hand up her arm and then wrapped his other arm around her shoulder.
Cid sat down next to Edea and looked at the ground. Irvine became more tense whenever Edea slowly opened the folder to reveal that she was holding two. "This one is yours Irvine." Irvine slowly took it from her and flipped it open.
"Kate Wyman," Selphie read aloud as she looked at the picture of his mother. "You've got her hair." Irvine watched her as she read through the folder he'd already seen.
"We're here because of your folder my dear," Cid said softly.
"My folder?" Selphie asked in confusion. "What's wrong with it?"
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element6 - This is me here. I wouldn't do anything too bad to Selphie. That's Ameli's specialty. I brought Nikki back because you all seem to love her so much. j/k
Ameli Stoncius - You are MY muse! I demand that you hand the boy back if you want to keep your honored position! lol Glad you liked the cliffie by the way. You taught me well. *points and laughs*
aratcorien - I'm glad you liked the classroom scene so much. It wasn't originally going to be in there but I decided I might want to build off of it in another story. I had fun with the girls who were hung up on Irvine. I really liked the pushy girl. That's not the last you'll see of her. She'll be in other chapters and other stories. *grins*
kris - Thank you thank you. *bows* As bad as it sounds, I'm not trying very hard to make Nikki hated. I'm basing her off someone I know who has presently got me pretty mad.
Jes - !!!!! A new reviewer! *shrieks and jumps up an down in joy* Thank you.
Barrett.....sit down and calm down. *places reassuring hand on shoulder* I promise Selphie and Nikki aren't related. *shudder* But that's all I'll promise. Nikki didn't pull anything too dangerous....I mean Rinoa could still handle her. Right?
Dark Topaz- Here you go.
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It looks like this story is going to be a chapter longer than originally planned. Its mainly due to the unexpected events in this one. I'd rather keep the chapters slightly smaller and more numerous than keep them gigantic and few. Without dividing this chapter in two, this thing would've been over 5,000 words.....at least. This part is 3,426 words with the shouts outs and disclaimer included in the word count.
Please read and review and then maybe I'll finally let you guys know what Cid and Edea have to say....
Right to Fight....Round One
Irvine leaned back in his chair and reread his last class's lesson plan. A firm hand took hold of his ankle and removed his foot from the edge of the table. His foot fell to the floor below and landed on the well worn heel of his boot. Irvine cringed at the sharp sensation it sent through his lower leg. He looked over to where the seat across from him was being pulled out.
"Heard you wanted to talk Kinneas," Seifer's voice held no emotion as he scanned over the cafeteria.
Irvine turned at his voice and sat his notebook down. "Don't call me that. Irvine is fine."
"Yeah sure, whatever."
"Right," Irvine looked him over. "I uh, asked Fujin to tell ya to meet me here 'cause I need to ask ya somethin'." Seifer leaned against the back of his chair and rubbed his chin absent-mindedly. Irvine leaned forward on his elbows and examined the finish on the table. "Do ya consider us at least somewhat acquaintances?"
An amused grin crossed Seifer's face. Irvine shot him an uncomfortable and confused look. "Yeah sure we're friends. Tell anyone and die though."
Irvine muffled a laugh. "Sure thing." Seifer grinned in response.
"Why?"
"Well um, I'm gettin' married in about a month."
"So?" Seifer asked as he examined the ragged stitching on his trench coat.
Irvine watched his apparent disinterest in the conversation with interest. 'He's gettin' really good at lookin' impassive.' "I wanted to ask if ya wanted to be best man," Irvine covered his mouth after he quickly uttered the statement.
Seifer turned to look at him with surprised eyes. "Whoa there cowboy are you feeling okay?" He raised an eyebrow and then looked around to make sure no one else had heard. " can't be doing that."
"Why not?" Irvine asked.
Seifer released an exasperated sigh. "Look, I still have a reputation."
"So?" Irvine asked. "All you do is stand there."
"I'll have to give a speech at the reception."
"Ya won't because you'll have to talk in public?" Irvine asked.
"No," Seifer shot back. "What about your other friends. You know, the ones that don't attack and occupy your alma mater and try and kill you. Trust me they're better picks. Better yet, ask that Nira kid. He could use the recognition of being best man."
"His name's Nida, and no I don't want him to be best man. I want you to be."
"Why cowboy!?" Seifer asked as he let his hands fall to the table.
Irvine jumped at the impact but continued nonetheless. "Because ya really helped me when I really needed it. Because this is really the only way I can think to thank ya. I'll put ya above the other groomsmen. I owe ya that."
"I bought some baby wipes and a mobile and I get this?" Seifer argued through clenched teeth.
"Not only that but ya helped Selphie out that day with Nikki," Irvine countered as he too leaned over the table and met Seifer halfway. "Ya have no idea how much I owe ya. I thought askin' ya would be an honor."
Seifer was silent for a moment and then grinned. "Okay. Sure thing cowboy."
Irvine released the breath he was holding and then looked around at all the SeeDs and students alike that were frozen in their seats as they watched them in anticipation. "Get out of my business," Seifer growled at them. Once they'd all turned back around quickly, he narrowed his eyes in Irvine's direction. "The hell?"
"What?" Irvine asked.
"Irvine," Edea's voice interrupted. Irvine turned quickly to see her holding Toby. "He had a small accident. I thought I'd show you before your next class."
"What'd you do, try and knock him out?" Seifer joked as he looked at Toby's purple eye. Irvine examined his eye and then lifted him from Edea's arms.
"What happened to ya?" Irvine asked as he rubbed his thumb just below Toby's eye.
"He fell down and bumped his face on the coffee table," Edea answered as she rubbed Toby's back. "He'll be fine." Irvine looked at her skeptically and then held Toby's still whimpering form a little closer.
________________________________________________________________________
When Nikki had left them in the store, they were more than thankful. Selphie handed the cashier enough gil to cover her purchases and turned to Rinoa. "Can you get that bag?"
"I may be pregnant but I'm not helpless," Rinoa said softly. Selphie shrugged apologetically.
"I didn't mean anything by it," She smiled as she pushed the cart near the store's exit.
"I know," Rinoa answered. "I'm just practicing for whenever Squall decides that I'm not fit to do anything for myself." Selphie smiled in response but the smile faded when she looked over to where Irvine's pickup was parked. Rinoa noticed as well and gradually stopped walking.
"Come on Rin. We have a lot of things to get done today," Selphie said as she ignored Nikki. Rinoa watched a bit hesitantly as Nikki leaned back against the windshield and reclined on the hood of the truck.
"Go on Rin," Nikki said mockingly. "My business isn't with you anyway." Rinoa walked slowly past her and then placed her bag in the back of the truck.
"What do you want?" Selphie asked as she came around to the front of the truck. Nikki stared at her silently and tossed her cigarette down. Quietly, she slid down from the hood of the light blue truck and stepped towards Selphie. Rinoa marveled at how Selphie stood her ground against the much taller and more muscled girl.
"I want my life back ya theivin' bitch," Nikki stepped right up in front of Selphie.
Selphie started to say something but stopped short. Nikki frowned at her lack of speech.
"Ya haven't a damn clue what I'm talkin' about have ya?" Nikki paced a circle and ran her fingers through her hair. "I'm talkin' about Irvine. Ya had no right!" Selphie narrowed her eyes. "Irvine was mine! He was the greatest thing that ever happened in my life and I screwed it up! He was the only person that ever gave a damn about what happened ta me!" Nikki shouted as she leaned back against the bed of the truck. "I screwed up and it took me longer than it should've ta realize it. I went back to Blue Gales lookin' for Irvine long before there was ever any talk about a sorceress or Esthar. Max told me he'd moved away. I searched for him. Too bad I didn't think to check Galbadia Garden until he was gone."
Selphie stood rigidly, eyes fixed on Nikki. "He said you were going to have an abortion because you didn't want a baby and that's why things didn't work out."
"So what if I did?" Nikki shook her head. "Its none of your business. I was barely seventeen and in no position ta raise a kid. I'm sure he's told ya about how he had ta sleep on the floors and how sometimes getting two meals a day was really a treat." Selphie nodded numbly. "Well he's not the only one who had to live that way. Just about everyone in Blue Gales lived in substandard shacks or barely scraped up enough food to feed themselves. What was I supposed to do? Have a baby so I could listen to it cryin' in the middle of the night 'cause I couldn't provide it with enough to eat? Times were tough for everyone! I know how he managed to care for our baby and I'd bet what little I own to say that you haven't got a clue." She smirked as she shook her head. "He made some real sacrifices and proved how capable he really was when it came to carin' for other people. I knew his guardian had died. I knew about it the day after old man Kinneas was buried. But ya notice that I didn't take Toby. Even if I'd been sure where Irvine was keepin' him, I wouldn't have taken him. That woulda been like takin' away part of Irvine's heart. And he's not the kind of person that can stand bein' alone.
"I grew up while we were separated. And I realized that there was no way I could ever be so cruel as to take my baby away from his father. I also realized how much I loved him." Nikki stood up straight and put her hands on his hips. "That's why you have no right to just walk into his life and take him from me! You're playin' Mama to a baby that isn't yours, and you're involved with a man that for damn sure isn't yours."
"I'm sorry things haven't worked out in your life, but there's no way I'm going to step down and let you take my place," Selphie said a little unsurely. "Actually, there's no way you could ever take my place. I've heard all about you. I made a few calls after your first visit to some people back in Blue Gales."
Nikki narrowed her eyes and quickly pulled her hair back into a ponytail. "This is the last time I'm goin' to tell ya to stay the hell away from him. Don't think I won't fight you."
"Don't think I'm afraid of you," Selphie countered with the courage she didn't realize she had. Before Selphie could respond, Nikki had already pushed her up against the car parked behind her. Selphie kicked Nikki in the stomach and pushed her back against the side of the truck.
Nikki grimaced to keep from crying out when she popped her back on the truck's side-view mirror and fell to one knee. "I guess no one told ya my night job huh," She laughed as she looked over at Selphie.
"I don't care. I guess no one told you I fought beside Irvine against Ultimecia," Selphie countered as she prepared for another attack.
Nikki narrowed her eyes as she quickly regained her footing and hit Selphie on her cheek. Selphie fell, and would've hit her head on the pavement had she not twisted around and caught herself on her hands. In the same instant she kicked Nikki's legs out from under her and managed to regain her footing. She quickly bent down and grabbed Nikki by her hair and slung her up against the truck.
"Ahh," Nikki cried out as she fell to the ground and rolled underneath the large vehicle. Rinoa nervously stepped back unsure of where the fight was going to progress.
"I talked to Max. You did look for Irvine. You also knew Toby was staying with Max. That's how you found out about old man Kinneas. He also told me that you left without seeing Toby," Selphie said as she wiped at the small amount of blood on her cheek. "He also told me you're a bouncer at some Deling Bar and that you didn't try to reach Irvine at Galbadian Garden, because he told you Irvine hadn't moved but rather commuted from Blue Gales."
Nikki came out from under the other side of the truck and quickly slid over the hood to catch Selphie off guard. She lunged forward again and tackled Selphie to the ground. Underneath the stronger girl, Selphie pushed her back and knocked her into the side of the truck. Nikki's head hit the glass on the driver side window, shattering it. Selphie watched as Nikki staggered forward and then fell to one knee. She cast a quick glance to Rinoa who looked a little paler than normal. 'Great,' Selphie thought. 'She's getting nervous. That can't be too good for the baby if it makes her sick.' Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp blow to the stomach that leveled her. For a brief instant, everything grew black. She felt another sharp blow to her stomach as she was knocked onto her back. She rolled onto her side and curled up into a fetal position. Nikki wasted no time in pulling her up off the ground by her hair and slinging her onto the car parked next to the truck. Selphie took it as an opportunity to get away and rolled off the otherside of the hood. She leaned against another vehicle for support as she caught her breath.
"Well its obvious ya let him do the fightin' against that sorceress. Cause ya for damn sure aren't that good at it," Nikki taunted. Through the hair that blocked her vision, Nikki approaching.
"I'm just getting started," Selphie tried to encourage herself. Nikki laughed at the statement and started walking around the car. Selphie used her temporary barrier to her advantage and hopped up onto the hood and then onto Nikki. Rinoa watched as Selphie's shoulder caught Nikki across her throat, knocking her backwards onto her back. There was a sickening crack and Selphie and Rinoa both grimaced. Nikki lay unmoving on the damp pavement for a moment and then slowly and shakily pushed herself up. She staggered around for a few moments and then sat her sights on Selphie.
"This is going too far. This ends now," Rinoa's voice said shakily as she lifted her right hand up in the air and turned her wrist gently. She then swept it down in Nikki's direction, knocking the taller girl back into someone else's truck. Nikki stood petrified.
"What the hell!" She shrieked. "Your a damn witch!" Selphie noticed with some satisfaction that Nikki's skin was so pale it was nearly transparent.
"Sorceress. Get it right," Rinoa said sternly. Selphie stood up next to her and looked at Nikki.
"Don't you ever come near me or my family again. You gave them up so move on," Selphie said with renewed confidence. Both Selphie and Rinoa stood silent as they watched Nikki slowly back away.
________________________________________________________________________
Irvine trudged down the hall with Toby right beside him. He smiled at the sight of his son, who was still gently touching the soft spot around his eye.
"I'll tell ya right now. Teachin' is a lot more work than I realized," Irvine said in a playful tone. Toby looked up at him and winced.
"Ouch," He whined as he touched his eye again.
"Stop touchin' it then," Irvine laughed as he hefted his son up and unlocked his door. Selphie was sitting on the area rug staring silently out the window. Irvine quietly shut the door and gave his hat to Toby to keep the boy occupied. "Is everything alright?" He asked as he stood behind her. It wasn't often she wore his clothes, especially his pants. He watched as she rolled the legs of the navy jogging pants up some. He could now see her toes, but she still wasn't talking. "What's wrong?" He carefully sat down next to her and ran a hand along her arm.
"I ran into Nikki today," She said absently as she pulled her hair up into a ponytail.
"Oh," Irvine stated. "What happened?"
"We fought," Selphie answered as she looked off to the side.
"What!" Irvine raised his voice for the first time in front of Selphie. She jumped and turned quickly to look at him. He paled at the cut that ran along the underside of her eye, and the purple tint the skin around it was taking. "She did this?" Irvine was on the verge of loosing his temper. "That bitch," He mumbled under his breath. "Where did you see her?"
"Don't worry about it," Selphie said.
"Ya come home with a shiner and tell me not to worry about it?" Irvine looked around the room in dismay.
"Please just drop it," Selphie yelled in response. "Its over with okay. Its all over." Irvine once again sat down next to her and wrapped his arms around her. In the hallway, Toby sat with the hat hugged against his chest. He listened intently to their shouts and closed his eyes tightly.
"I'm sorry Darlin'," Irvine whispered. "I really wish she'd leave us alone. Ya shouldn't have to go through all this."
"I will if I have to," Selphie said as she leaned into him.
"I'll get things straightened out. Don't worry about this happenin' again."
Selphie closed her eyes as she was gently rocked in his embrace. A nearly inaudible sound began to make itself known to them. Irvine stilled himself as he listened.
"Toby," He said as he quickly found his feet and hurried into the hall. Sitting against the wall, Toby pushed his hat away and crossed his arms. Irvine sighed and knelt down beside him. "Toby?" Selphie watched as Toby looked up at Irvine and narrowed his eyes. He sniffed a few times, causing Irvine to pick him up whether he liked it or not. "What's the matter?" Irvine asked.
Toby instinctively squirmed to get down and then reached for Selphie to take him. She took hold of his outstretched hand and then shot Irvine an apologetic look. "Must have been the yelling," She said softly. Irvine nodded in agreement but still looked upset by Toby's reaction. A knock came from the door and Irvine used it as an excuse to leave the situation. He quickly hit the release button on the door and was surprised when Cid and Edea stepped inside unannounced.
"Hello Dear," Edea smiled at him. "Is Selphie here with you?"
"I'm right here," Selphie said as she stepped out of the hallway. Edea turned to her and smiled. "Cid and I need to talk to you." Irvine noticed with some uneasiness that she held Selpie's folder under her arm.
"Oh, okay," Selphie sat down with Toby in her lap. Irvine carefully sat down next to her. He nervously ran his hand up her arm and then wrapped his other arm around her shoulder.
Cid sat down next to Edea and looked at the ground. Irvine became more tense whenever Edea slowly opened the folder to reveal that she was holding two. "This one is yours Irvine." Irvine slowly took it from her and flipped it open.
"Kate Wyman," Selphie read aloud as she looked at the picture of his mother. "You've got her hair." Irvine watched her as she read through the folder he'd already seen.
"We're here because of your folder my dear," Cid said softly.
"My folder?" Selphie asked in confusion. "What's wrong with it?"
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element6 - This is me here. I wouldn't do anything too bad to Selphie. That's Ameli's specialty. I brought Nikki back because you all seem to love her so much. j/k
Ameli Stoncius - You are MY muse! I demand that you hand the boy back if you want to keep your honored position! lol Glad you liked the cliffie by the way. You taught me well. *points and laughs*
aratcorien - I'm glad you liked the classroom scene so much. It wasn't originally going to be in there but I decided I might want to build off of it in another story. I had fun with the girls who were hung up on Irvine. I really liked the pushy girl. That's not the last you'll see of her. She'll be in other chapters and other stories. *grins*
kris - Thank you thank you. *bows* As bad as it sounds, I'm not trying very hard to make Nikki hated. I'm basing her off someone I know who has presently got me pretty mad.
Jes - !!!!! A new reviewer! *shrieks and jumps up an down in joy* Thank you.
Barrett.....sit down and calm down. *places reassuring hand on shoulder* I promise Selphie and Nikki aren't related. *shudder* But that's all I'll promise. Nikki didn't pull anything too dangerous....I mean Rinoa could still handle her. Right?
Dark Topaz- Here you go.
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It looks like this story is going to be a chapter longer than originally planned. Its mainly due to the unexpected events in this one. I'd rather keep the chapters slightly smaller and more numerous than keep them gigantic and few. Without dividing this chapter in two, this thing would've been over 5,000 words.....at least. This part is 3,426 words with the shouts outs and disclaimer included in the word count.
Please read and review and then maybe I'll finally let you guys know what Cid and Edea have to say....
