Mythology
Chapter Three: Imposing Men
By PasifiKStaR

Author's Note: At one point planning this chapter, I got myself confused. -_-;;...Who was what? o.O Anyway, yep, Nike is probably one of the only winged figures from the ancient Greeks, however the style is also the basis for the later Renaissance period in Italy (as the ancient Roman style is based from the Greeks, but with in a sort of less perfect way because the balance isn't as good in the Roman statues as in the Greeks, it's difficult to explain in one paragraph, so we'll leave it at that). During the time under the Medicis, many in that particular style were often patrolled. So it's not so much the time period as the spawned styles reminiscent of the Greco-Roman style (which was mainly for the architecture and the togas). ^_^ On another note, I'm listening to Middle Eastern/Central Asian popular music right now, so that's what the volunteers are dancing to and playing.

*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Final Fantasy or the Care Bears.

"Technically yes, we have met."

Rinoa's eyes went wide. "Re...Really?" she gasped out. Her face flooded with color as she stared at him in disbelief.

Dr. Leonhart nodded. "You were asleep while I was checking you early this morning." Quistis let out a slight giggle as Rinoa's face fell in embarrassment and turned her head away.

"Well, I'll leave you to your appointment," Quistis said. "Doctor, if she's putting up any sort of fight or refuses to admit that anything is wrong with her, just tell us."

"Of course, Professor," the young man stepped aside as Quistis headed out of the tent. Rinoa was left standing there, still gaping at the young man. His cool eyes turned back to her and settled on her shaken frame. "Miss Heartilly, please have a seat."

He motioned to her cot and she nodded as she sat down. Her dark hair fell over her face as she watched him pull her chair from under her desk and set it up in front of her. He sat down directly in front of her and their knees touched. Immediately, Rinoa felt her face burn as he reached over to his bag and pulled out a thermometer.

She didn't even realize he was preparing it as she studied him. His eyes were focused on the task at hand as soft brown hair fell over his face. His lips were partially open as he breathed. Rinoa felt her heart beat unnaturally fast. This man was a doctor. He was going to be completely professional. However, he did seem quite young. Almost TOO young. She frowned.

"Are you old enough to be a doctor?" she asked suddenly. Squall stopped and looked up at her.

"Yes. Why do you ask?" The corners of his lips tugged up a bit. "You think I'm not a doctor?"

"No! No!" she gasped up, shaking her head from side to side. "It's not that at all. I was just thinking...you look kind of young, you know."

"Professor Trepe is a doctor and she still quite young," Squall replied. "Open your mouth," With a gentle hand he tilted Rinoa's head up to meet his gaze. At his touch, Rinoa felt her entire body get shocked. "Lift up your tongue..." he said. He held the thermometer right over her lips before tucking it under her tongue. "Well, to put your mind at ease, I am a doctor."

Rinoa nodded slightly. As they waited for the equipment to beep, Squall reached into his bag and pulled out a stethoscope. He placed it around his neck as he took out a small leather note book. The thermometer beeped and he looked up. Rinoa opened her mouth as he took hold of it and recorded the results.

"So...how old are you? You look not much older than me." she continued.

"I'm older than I look." he replied casually as he cleaned the object and slipped it back into his bag.

"How old?"

"Old enough," he said. He closed his book, pinning a pen in between it's pages. "Now..." he lifted the stethoscope up to his ears. "Lift up your shirt a bit."

Rinoa swallowed and continued to tell herself that it was purely professional. She tugged her shirt up and watched as he slipped his hand with the end of the instrument underneath. She felt it's cold surface touch her chest and she gasped. "Cold..."

"Sorry," he mumbled. "Deep breath..." Rinoa did as she was told. "Good," He moved the object over her left breast. "Deep breath," Rinoa did it again, although this time she was blushing even more. She diverted his eyes away from him. "Good. Have you taken any medicine?" he asked as he pulled away from her.

Rinoa shook her head. "I was going to take something for my headache, but I ended up just sleeping it off."

"I see," he said. "Well, everything seems fine, Miss Heartilly-"

"Please just call me Rinoa, doctor." Rinoa told him. He nodded.

"My name is Squall, by the way." he added as he absent mindedly wrote down notes in his note book. Rinoa narrowed her eyes.

"Squall...what kind of name is that?" she asked. He paused and looked up at her. "I mean...it's not something you hear often."

"It means a sudden storm," he answered. He snapped his book closed. "You seem perfectly fine, although you might want to stay out of the sun a little bit. And you look stressed," he said. He crooked a finger under her chin and lifted up her head. His eyes studied her pale face. "I'll ask Professor Trepe to lessen your work load."

"But I like work-"

"Then make you work within that tent outside," he told her coolly. "I won't prescribe anything, but if your head aches continue, call me immediately." He reached into his bag and pulled out a little white card.

Rinoa took it and nodded. She looked down at the card and nearly dropped it. Squall was putting his things away when he noticed her stop and stare at the card. Her breath seemed to get somewhat shallow. "A lion..." she murmured.

"Hmm?" Squall tilted his head and looked over at the card. Rinoa pointed to the seal of a lion with wings. "Oh yes, that's Griever. He's...sort of like a family guardian."

"I've seen it before."

"It's a very old symbol." he told her as he closed his bag. Rinoa shook her head.

"No, I've seen it in the ruins," she said. Squall stood up and she followed. She nearly fell back as she realized that they when they stood up there was virtually no space between their bodies. Squall raised an eyebrow and Rinoa turned her head away. "Sorry..."

"It's all right," he said. He moved the chair backwards and turned around to return it to it's place. He glanced back at her. "Rinoa, are you all right?"

She nodded slightly. "Yeah..." she looked up at him. "Is your family from Centra?"

"Yes, it is actually," he said. "It's an old family. At least that's what I was told."

"Told?" she asked. "Are you adopted?" Immediately, she regretted what she said and covered her mouth. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to put it like that-"

He shook his head calmly. "It's not a problem," he stated. His rich voice wrapped around her. "Actually, my mother died at my birth. My father was always gone...I grew up with some monks."

"Monks?" Rinoa asked. "Like in a monastery?"

Squall was heading towards the flap of her tent and shrugged. "More like a temple," he said. He looked over his shoulder, the lamp light casting shadows over his face. "Get some rest, Rinoa. I'll come by in a few days to check on you."

Rinoa nodded her head as the flap closed behind Squall. Outside, she heard him talking to Quistis. She fell back on her cot as she raised her hand to touch her face. She was blushing like she was on fire. She stared up at her ceiling. *This...this is getting weird.*

"Hi!" a lively blond said as he extended his hand. "You must be Rinoa! I'm Zell Dincht, the inspector sent by Centra."

"Hi, Zell," Rinoa said warmly. "Nice to finally meet you. How was your first night at the camp?"

"I had a little trouble with my tent, but it's all fixed now," Zell said. They were around the residential part of the camp where Selphie's tent and the cafeteria tent and kitchen were. He pointed to a ten by ten square foot tent which had silver duct tape placed in certain areas. "I guess were too hasty in putting it together."

"Uh...yeah..." Rinoa replied. She raised an eyebrow as part of the squared tent caved in. "Um...is it supposed to be doing that?"

"Huh?" Zell turned around and his eyes almost fell out. "Oh no! Not again!" He ran towards his tent and Rinoa shook her head.

"Rinoa, are you sure you should be up?" Quistis said as she approached her from behind. Rinoa turned around and nodded.

"Squall said I'm fine," Rinoa said. "I'm all ready to work!"

"Squall?" a voice said from the cafeteria tent. "Whose Squall?" Rinoa winced as she heard the all too curious tone that Selphie was asking in. When the brunette turned around, she saw Selphie's devious smirk. "So...who is the lucky guy?"

"The lucky guy doesn't exist!" Rinoa insisted, although her face was flushing. "For your information, Selphie-"

"Isn't Squall Dr. Leonhart's name?" Quistis suddenly asked. Rinoa froze. "You're on a first name basis?"

"Oh...a doctor...way to go, Rin." Selphie gave her a thumbs up and Rinoa ran her hand down her face.

"It's not like that," she insisted. "Anyway, I'm totally fine! I can work just like I used to-"

"You're going to be working in the research tent," Quistis informed her. "Dr. Leonhart, or SQUALL, as you lovingly call him, told me that your work load should be lessened. So I'm taking out of the ruins."

"What!?" Rinoa gasped. "No! No, you can't! I don't want to be in the research tent the whole time-"

"Rinoa, you knew that field work wasn't all out in the field," Quistis scolded her. "Now, it's for the best. So after breakfast meet me at the research tent."

"Fine..."

*Okay...I've gotten the first tablet scanned,* Rinoa thought to herself. She was sitting on a folding chair by one of the computers in the research tent. She stared into the monitor as a scanned replica of the stone tablet appeared. Immediately, she began to clean up the image. *I can't believe it took me six hours just to get this far...*

Quistis had been insistent that Rinoa clean every tablet clean of dirt so that it could be scanned perfectly. It took Rinoa one hour alone to get the materials ready and then she had spent four and a half hours cleaning it until she could eat off of it. Then she finally was able to run the scanner over it and upload several copies of it. She had taken a long lunch break around noon and then around three, Quistis came by and made her take another break, despite her wishes.

Rinoa had protested, saying that she had a to finish. However, Quistis made her stop what she was doing and take a rest in her tent. As a result, Rinoa was now an hour behind the schedule she had planned for herself that morning.

"Rinoa," a voice said from the entrance of the tent. Rinoa didn't have to turn around to know it was Selphie. "Dinner's ready!"

"I'll take a late dinner, Selphie," Rinoa said as she adjusted the lamp light over her with an outstretched hand. "I just want to finish this."

"I thought you'd say that..." Selphie sighed. "QUISTIS!!"

"What!? Wait, no!" Rinoa gasped as she shot up off her chair. Her eyes were wide as she could make out the blonde professor walking towards the entrance of the tent. "Dammit..."

"Rinoa!" Quistis began.

"Okay, okay! Just let me save this!" Rinoa grumbled. "Geez, you're just like Matron." she mumbled.

"I'm going to take that as a compliment." Quistis said. She stood at the entrance with her arms crossed over her chest. She watched Rinoa close up the computer before heading towards them.

"Happy now?" Rinoa frowned as Selphie chuckled next to them.

"Very," Quistis said. "How are you feeling?"

"I told you, I'm fine!" Rinoa sighed. "Even Squall said so!"

"You keep mentioning him..." Selphie trailed off suspiciously. "Do you...LIKE this 'Squall'?" she asked with a smirk on her lips.

Rinoa blushed, but shook her head. "No! What do you mean I keep mentioning him? This is the second time!"

"So you keep track?" Selphie added.

"Ugh! Forget it!" Rinoa sighed. She sped up and Selphie and Quistis chuckled behind her. Rinoa looked up ahead, trying to ignore her friends, when she saw Zell crossing the path ahead of them and heading towards the cafeteria tent. "Zell! Hey, Zell!"

The blond looked up and smiled widely as he waved. "Hi, Rinoa! How are you feeling!?"

"Oh, Hyne, they told you, too?" Rinoa sighed, running her hand down her face. Zell laughed and nodded. "I'm perfectly fine, Zell."

"That's good. I heard that it gets pretty dangerous out here in the desert," he said, looking around. "But I heard that you guys also have pretty decent food."

"If you like hot dogs..." Rinoa laughed.

"I LOVE hot dogs!"

"Then welcome to heaven, Zell, because that's all we ever eat." Rinoa continued. Zell nodded enthusiastically and rushed into the tent. As Rinoa entered she listened to the music that was being played by some of the local volunteers. She waved at them as she was greeted warmly.

Quistis and Selphie came in after her and Selphie was swept up into a group of her volunteer friends who were dancing towards one part of the largest tent. "Is it always like this!?" Zell asked as he stood in line with Rinoa and looked over at the group.

"Basically!" Rinoa laughed. "The local volunteers go home on the weekends, but on Friday nights, they grab their instruments and play at dinner! It's so cool!" They looked towards the five men in the corner with guitars, drums, and other instruments. There was one young woman who was singing in the local language as people clapped around them, keeping the beat of the music.

"Next!" one of the kitchen staff shouted.

"That's me!" Zell said. He ran up ahead with his tray ready. Rinoa and Quistis laughed.

"So, did he get in your way as you expected?" Rinoa said as she stood with Quistis. The blond sighed and shook her head.

"Actually, I hardly saw him," Quistis said. "I was over seeing the newly unearthed parts. Selphie took him with her to the Chambers of the Dead to help her and her core crew copy down the murals on the wall."

"So he's been made into a volunteer, too?" Rinoa said. "That's good, we can always use the extra help."

"I know," Quistis nodded. "Amazingly enough, when I saw his sketches, they were EXACTLY like the murals on the tomb walls. We might have a use for him after all."

Rinoa went to get her one hot dog and joined Zell at one of the tables close to the music. She was surprised to see a dozen hot dogs and layers of condiments piled on his tray. He unceremoniously ate them and by the time that Quistis joined them with her salad, he was already half way through the pile.

"You know, I can play that," Zell said pointing to the resonating wooden box which was having strings that laid across it's surface plucked.

"You play classic Centran instruments, Zell?" Rinoa asked. Zell nodded.

"My mom made me learn," he admitted. "Some friends and I used to perform at festivals in my town."

"Really?" Rinoa said, impressed. "That's so cool! Do they all play classical instruments?"

Zell nodded once more. "Yeah, but I was the only one with formal training. The others kind of just picked it up."

"You'll play for us then, right?" Rinoa urged.

"Sure!" he said cheerfully. "I'm a little rusty, though."

"That's okay. We're probably a little rusty, too. Well, maybe not, Selphie," Rinoa said as she chuckled. "But our baby sitter was from Centra and before we all headed out to college, she taught us Centran dances."

"Which ones?" Zell asked curiously as he downed his ninth hot dog. "Maybe I can play something you guys can dance to."

"Quisty, what was that one dance called again?" Rinoa said. "You know...the one that goes like this..." Rinoa raised her hands in the air and moved her upper body in a smooth motion as she stayed seating.

"The Seduction of Shiva," Quistis answered as she recognized it immediately. "How could you forget? It's your favorite one."

"Yeah, that's it," Rinoa said. She looked over at Zell. "Do you know that one, Zell?"

The blond had stopped eating and was looking at her. He slowly nodded his head. "Yeah..." he mumbled. "Your favorite dance is the Seduction?"

Rinoa nodded proudly. "Matron used to say that it was a really hard dance but I picked it up really fast. Like it came naturally to me."

Zell nodded slightly and smiled. "Sure!" he said brightly. "I'll play it as soon as I finish and if I can get my hands on that instrument."

Rinoa giggled with giddy as Quistis chuckled. "Quistis!" a voice shouted from the entrance of the tent. The blond and practically everyone in the tent looked up. A panicked looking Nida rushed. "Quistis! Some guy just showed up and he's looking for you!"

Quistis exchanged glances with Rinoa and Selphie as she put her fork down. She stood up. "Who is it?"

"Said his name was Almasy," Nida replied. "He's waiting by the research tent. And he looks pissed!" By now the music had all but died down as confused and worried looking volunteers sat in their places and watched as Quistis narrowed her blue eyes and walked towards the exit.

Immediately, Rinoa and Selphie dropped what they were doing and headed out after Quistis. "Hey! Where are you guys going?" Zell asked, noticing the two young woman going after Quistis as she exited the tent with confident strides.

"What do you think?" Rinoa said. "We're going for back up."

Zell barely had time to finish off the last of his hot dogs and go after them. As he ran out of the tent, he saw Rinoa and Selphie walking behind Quistis. The tall blond gave off and aura of power as she walked down the path way towards the research tent.

Quistis saw the light on in the research tent and frowned. When they had left for dinner, she was sure that she turned off the light to conserve energy. Standing by the door way was a beautiful young woman with platinum, short white hair. Her eyes were hidden behind short wisps of hair as she stood up straight, almost militaristically. Standing next to her was a tall, tanned man with dark hair.

"Rin, Sel, watch them," Quistis whispered in a low voice. The other two nodded and stopped slightly behind her. Quistis casually walked past the two sentinels and up the steps to the research tent. Upon entering, she saw a tall man hunched over the lone Centran Tablet that Rinoa had been scanning. "Mr. Almasy, how may I help you?"

The figure by the tablet stiffened and stood up straight. Quistis stood by the entry way, her arms crossed over her chest. She slightly adjusted the glasses on the tip of her nose. The man had blond hair and as he turned around, green eyes caressed over her body, studying her calmly. He was wearing black slacks over black shoes and under a black coat and hunter green silk shirt with it's top buttons unbuttoned to reveal and silver plate chain.

Pale lips seemed to turn into a grin as he looked over at her. "Professor Trepe?" he asked, his voice deep and casual.

Quistis suddenly felt shivers go down her body as she stood there. Outwardly, she remained cool and confident, although she was well aware of his eyes studying every inch of her. "Yes. And you are Mr. Almasy, am I correct?"

The corners of his lips rose slight, giving her a confident, better than thou smirk. "Yes," he said coolly. "Actually, Professor Trepe...I'm sorry, what is your first name?"

"Quistis."

"Yes, Quistis-"

"Please stick to Professor Trepe." she cut in all too sweetly. The blond man's lips smirked even more, as if highly amused.

"Of course, Professor Trepe," he told her casually. "My name is Seifer Almasy. I believe you and I have something to discuss."

"And that is?"

"The ownership of this land," Seifer told her. She could detect the mocking tone in his voice. "While it was under government control for a while, it has only recently been transferred over to me."

Quistis' blue eyes turned icy as they narrowed and glared at Seifer. "And WHY would they be transferred over to you, Mr. Almasy?" she asked, venom apparent in her disbelieving voice.

"Because, Professor Trepe," Seifer said smugly. He lifted up a leather briefcase he had been holding and placed it on an empty table. "My family owns this land. It has for centuries."

"Impossible," Quistis gasped. "This land is a desert! No development for at least fifteen miles at all sides-"

"I didn't think you'd believe me," Seifer said. He opened the brief case and took out a manila folder. He opened it up and shuffled through several official looking documents before he took out one particular sheet. "I believe this should change your mind."

Quistis strode over quickly and took the document he was handing to her. Her eyes quickly scanned the document. "No..." she gasped out. "Impossible...it can't be!"

Seifer smirked as he snatched the document from her hands. "Oh, but it is." he mocked.

Quistis turned to him, her beautiful face drained of all color. "But the government said that-"

"That it was government property? Yes, that's true," Seifer said. "It was under the government's hold until I returned from Esthar to claim in. And I have."

"No..." Quistis said. Her voice was shaking as the horrible truth hit her. "But the research... all this work...it can't be!"

"Don't believe me?" Seifer asked, chuckling slightly. Quistis gripped the edge of one table. "Why don't you ask Chicken-wuss...looks like he was sent over."

"Who?" Quistis gasped. She turned her head and followed his line of sight. Zell was standing outside with Selphie and Rinoa. "ZELL?"

"Go ahead. Ask him." Seifer practically dared. Quistis breathed deeply and stumbled over to the entrance.

"Zell," Quistis called. "Zell!"

Nervously, the other blond looked up. He reluctantly walked towards her. "Yes?"

"Zell...is it true?" Quistis asked, narrowing her eyes. "Does this guy OWN the ruins?"

Zell glanced over her shoulder at Seifer, who was smirking. Sadly, he lowered his head and nodded. "Seifer Almasy is the heir of the area right where the ruins are...the government was to hold it until he returned from Esthar."

"Oh, Hyne..." Quistis mumbled. He ran her hand down her face. "Why didn't you tell us!?" she demanded.

"I didn't know he was going to be arriving so soon!" Zell said. "I was going to tell you-"

"Oh, forget it!" Quistis sighed. "It's too late, anyway...Rinoa! Selphie!"

"Yeah?" the other two said. They walked past the two other people and walked up the steps into the research tent where three blondes were standing. Rinoa's eyes softened and as she looked over at her friend. "Quisty, what's wrong?"

Quistis opened her mouth, but no words came out. She didn't know how to put it. "This property...the ruins...it's no longer government property."

"Then whose does it belong..." Selphie slowly looked up and saw Seifer standing there, looking somewhat triumphant. "No way..."

"All this work..." Quistis mumbled numbly as she fell back against a chair.

Selphie knelt down by Quistis as Rinoa whirled around to Seifer. "You're not going to kick us out are you?" Rinoa gasped. "Do you have any idea how important these ruins are-"

"Calm down, little girl," Seifer told her. "I am aware of how important the ruins are."

"Then you're not going to stop us?" Rinoa asked, slightly smiling as she grew hopeful.

Seifer snorted. "Of course not."

Quistis' head lifted and blue eyes were wide with surprise. She had been positive that the arrogant male would stop their research and want to bulldoze the ruins to make a summer palace or something. "Thank you-"

"But you'll be working under someone else from now on." Seifer said. Quistis immediately frowned.

"Are you implying that we are to work under YOU?" Quistis spat out as she stood up. Seifer smirked slightly and nodded. "No."

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice," Seifer told her confidently. "I can either hand over the job to another research team and have your funds cut or you can work under me."

Quistis took a deep breath, but knew she was cornered. "What are the conditions?"

"I knew you'd see it my way," Seifer smiled. "I'll be pitching a tent here, too, to over see the research. But basically, you can do whatever it was that you used to do. I just want to be informed if anything is found and removed."

"That sounds plausible." Quistis mumbled behind gritted teeth.

"Also," Seifer continued. "My lawyer will be here. I've also been told you've had a lack of medical care in the area and I've taken the liberty of hiring a doctor to come on site."

Quistis hated to admit it, but the man had a point. She had wanted a doctor on site, but they were lacking in funds. But now, it seemed that the spoiled little rich boy, which she assumed Seifer was, could provide things that they had been denied. She nodded slowly. "Fine."

"Great!" Seifer said. He extended his hand and Quistis shook it reluctantly. "By the way, I'd like you to meet my cousin, Fujin, and her husband and my body guard, Raijin. They'll be staying here as well."

"Nice to meet you, ya know!" Raijin said cheerfully. Fujin nodded her head solemnly.

"Pleasure." she told them.

Selphie immediately went to greet them in her typically cheerful way as Rinoa offered them a weak smile. Seifer turned back to Quistis, who carried a frown on her face. "Oh...don't pout," he said as he lifted his hand and caressed her cheek. Quistis resisted the urge to slap his arm away in anger. "You're much too beautiful for that."

"Please don't touch me, Mr. Almasy." Quistis hissed. It only made Seifer smile more.

"I guess I'll go set up my tent down," he said coolly as he withdrew his hand. He looked over at Zell. "Chicken-wuss! Get my tent from my car! Set it up next to the professor's!"

Zell scowled at him and Quistis glared. "After you set up the tent, please inform me so I can move mine." she snapped.

Seifer merely smirked and stepped out of the research tent with his brief case. Fujin and Raijin followed behind him, presumably to his car to get the tents and set them up before it got too dark. Quistis let out a growl and Rinoa and Selphie looked up at her. "He is the most ARROGANT man I have EVER met!"

"He is the most ARROGANT man I have ever met!" Quistis exclaimed for the tenth time that morning as she lifted up a brass vase on to one of the shelves. Her hair was held up in a pony tail and long golden locks fell down her back. Her toga was tied up shorter than usual so she could walk more freely around Selphie's Uncle's shop.

Selphie laughed as she sat by the back counter, shining another brass vase of a different style. "He wasn't that bad, Quisty," she said. Her yellow toga was sleeveless and short, as it usually was. "I think you're over reacting."

"I don't CARE if he's the prince," Quistis snapped proudly. Rinoa shook her head as she walked past Quistis to put a porcelain tea set on one of the shelves. Her light blue toga was also tied up past her knees and sleeveless so she could work easier. "I refuse to let him treat me as some piece of meat!"

"He wasn't treating you like meat last night, Quistis," Rinoa sighed. "He was just trying to be nice."

"YOU got lost in the temple and didn't see what he did," Quistis retorted. She turned around, still standing on her stepping stool. "When Selphie went to introduce me to him, his eyes looked me over in THAT way. And then he smirked and said-"

"There's that sexy thing I've been dreaming out!" a voice shouted from the front of the store. The girls looked up and saw a tall young blond man leaning against the open door way casually. His white and red accented clothes were of good quality and just screamed out 'royalty'. He smirked and winked at Quistis. "Miss me, Quisty?"

"We have a right to refuse service here!" Quistis said as she stepped down her stool and walked over to the door way. "And we refuse to serve YOU."

"That's called treason," he said coolly. He reached out and grabbed Quistis' wrists, pulling her towards him. "Busy? Let's go out."

"Yes, I'm busy!" Quistis gasped as she pulled away from him. "Let me go, you oaf! Unlike YOU, I have a job."

"I have a job," he said as if hurt. He gently let Quistis go and she turned her back to him. "I'm a prince."

"Sitting on a throne all day being waited on is NOT a job, YOUR MAJESTY." she hissed.

"Hmm...I like it better when you call me Seifer," he smirked. He looked over at the other girls. "I see you're working with Chicken-Wuss' cousin and uh..." He paused as he looked at Rinoa. "General Caraway's daughter, right?"

"Right," Rinoa said. "Can we help you today, your highness?"

"I'd like to buy Quistis," Seifer said casually. Quistis whirled around, her eyes burning with a glare. "How much?"

"I am NOT for sale!" Quistis snapped.

"Wait a second!" Selphie said as she shot up from her seat. "How much are we talking here?"

"SELPHIE!" Quistis shrieked.

"I'm kidding! KIDDING!" Selphie laughed, holding her hands up to keep Quistis from throttling her. She looked back at Seifer. "Seriously, though...how much?"

"Quistis is NOT for sale," Rinoa sighed, cutting in between the two of them. "I'm sorry, your highness, but may I interest you in-"

"Seifer, if you don't need me for anything, I'm going to go back to the temple," a baritone voice sounded from the crowded and noisy street outside. Rinoa's ears immediately picked up the smooth voice as Seifer stepped aside and let in a shorter young man with brown hair. He bowed his head slightly upon seeing the three girls. "Good morning."

"Good morning, brother Squall," Quistis and Selphie said, both bowing their heads slightly. They looked over at Rinoa, who was standing there with a blank expression on her face. Her eyes were focused on Squall. "Ahem...Rin..."

"Oh! Morning, Squall!" Rinoa immediately felt like slapping herself. Squall merely smiled.

"Good morning, Rinoa."

*He said my name!* Rinoa smiled stupidly as the others stood there in silence. Squall finally broke eye contact with her and turned to Seifer.

"Well? Why did you drag me out here?"

"Ah! Of course," Seifer said. He pulled Squall over to Quistis. "This is Quistis Twerp-"

"TREPE, Quistis TREPE!" she hissed as she shot him a deadly glare.

"Right, right," Seifer grinned. "Anyway, I want you to get a good look at her because I want YOU, Squall, to be the one to marry us."

"WHAT!?"

Rinoa looked stunned as Selphie looked at Quistis with surprise. "Since WHEN!? Why didn't you TELL us, Quisty!?" Selphie gasped.

"We're not getting married!" Quistis growled. She turned to Seifer and pointed to the store's entrance. "Get out of here! You're no longer welcomed!"

*I don't think he ever was...* Rinoa thought.

"But, Quisty-"

"Don't call me that! We just meet!" she gasped out tiredly.

"What? You don't believe in love at first sight?" Seifer asked. Quistis was seething.

"No! I don't love you!" she nearly screamed.

Seifer smiled, seemingly more amused. "Oh, there's time," he assured her. "Until then!" At that moment, it seemed that Seifer's speed as a warrior paid off. He swooped in and gently kissed Quistis on her flushed cheek before running out the door. Quistis was left standing there, dumbfounded.

"I'm sorry about that," Squall sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. "Please don't take any offense."

"Offense!?" Quistis hissed. The deadly gleam in her eye turned to Squall. "You saw what that bastard did-"

"Quistis, calm down," Rinoa said. She held back the struggling blond and looked over at Squall. "Sorry."

"No, I'm sorry," Squall insisted. "I'll try to have a talk with him. Have a good day, Miss Trepe, Miss Tilmit...Rinoa." He gave her a slight smile and left.

As soon as his name left his lips, Rinoa felt her entire body flush. She could have been a puddle on the shop room floor. "Rinoa, are you okay?" Selphie asked.

Rinoa looked over at her and nodded. "Yeah..." she said sheepishly. "Hey...what do you think of Squall?"

Rinoa lifted her head up tiredly and blinked. The morning sun was already penetrating her tent and she grumbled. She looked over at her watch, which had been on a crate next to her bed. It was five thirty in the morning.

*Oh, geez...* she thought to herself as she rolled over on her back and looked up at the top of the tent. *I can't believe this...Squall's in my dream. Seifer's in my dream. Quistis and Selphie I can understand, but those two...? I just met them...Not that I MIND seeing Squall in my dreams...*

"Doctor, what are you doing here this early? Is something wrong with Rinoa?" a voice asked outside her tent. Rinoa immediately sat up. Quistis was always up earlier than everyone else. She had a rigid routine that would make normal people cry.

"Actually, Professor Trepe, I'm the doctor assigned to be the field physician here," Rinoa kicked off her blankets and ran to the entrance of her tent. She opened it slightly and peeked through. Her brown eyes went wide as she recognized Squall standing just outside her tent, his back to her. "I'm looking for Seifer Almasy."

"You know Seifer?" Quistis asked.

Squall seemed to pause. "We've met."

"Oh...all right, well I don't think he's awake yet," Quistis admitted. "But at least it's good to know that the doctor will be familiar. For a second I was worried that you came to tell us that something was wrong with Rinoa."

"How is she, by the way?" Squall asked. Rinoa's heart was beating as she zipped up her tent and dove back into her cot. She miscalculated and landed half on the cot and fell over on the ground.

"AH!"

"Oh, Hyne!" Quistis gasped. "Rinoa!" She walked around Squall quickly and ran to Rinoa's tent. Squall followed behind her, having heard a crash from within the tent. Without any hesitation, Quistis unzipped her tent and walked in. Rinoa was on her back, on the floor by her bed. Her pillow was over her chest and her blanket was at her feet.

"Ugh..." Rinoa blinked her eyes, unsure of how she even got on the floor. Her hair was all over her face. She was so disoriented, she didn't even notice Squall enter after Quistis.

"What happened!?" Quistis gasped. She immediately knelt down next to Rinoa and began putting her pillow and blanket back on her cot.

"I'm okay!" Rinoa stammered nervously. Quistis helped Rinoa into a sitting position and Rinoa noticed Squall turned his head away before turning around and keeping his back to her. "Um...Good morning, Dr. Leonhart!"

"Good morning, Rinoa," Squall said quickly. "I'll be outside. I should look for Seifer." With that, he rushed outside, leaving Rinoa slightly confused.

"Oh..." Rinoa couldn't help but frown in disappointment as the young man vanished from her tent. She heard Quistis snickering in front of her and looked up. "What?"

"Look at what you're wearing," Quistis laughed. "No wonder he ran out of here!"

"Huh?" Rinoa's eyebrows furrowed as she looked down. "Oh no!" Her face turned red as she grabbed her pillow and held it over her body. She had forgotten that in the unnatural heat of the night before, the temperature hadn't dropped as low as it usually did and so it had still be hot at night.

As a result, she had practically stripped herself of all but her Care Bear panties and spaghetti strap tank top with Wish Bear on it. She ran a hand down her blushing face as Quistis laughed.

"Wait until Selphie hears about this..."

Rinoa was burying her face in her pillow. "Just shoot me."

If Selphie had kept laughing, she was sure that her brains were going to fly out of her nose. Rinoa sat in the research tent, a frown on her face as Selphie nearly fell off her chair as Quistis told her what had happened that morning. Selphie wiped the tears off her face.

"Wait until Zell hears about this!"

"Don't you DARE tell him!" Rinoa growled. "It's bad enough that you two know without the whole camp knowing about this!"

"I wonder what Dr. Leonhart must've felt when he saw Rin like that!" Selphie laughed. "I would've loved to see how he looked."

"No, you wouldn't," Rinoa said as she turned back to the scanned photo of the tablet she was cleaning up. "Hyne, I DON'T."

"Quistis," a voice said from the door way. At the sound of the male voice, the blond female immediately scowled, but quickly recovered. She turned around calmly and gave a blank look at the man in loose khaki pants and a white polo standing at the entry way. "My lawyer has just arrived and I'd like you to meet him."

"Oh, yay..." Rinoa whispered under her breath. Selphie snickered as Quistis nodded.

"All right, where is he?" Quistis said. Seifer turned around and frowned.

He looked down the path and growled. "Kinneas! What the hell are you doing!?"

"I'll be right there!" a deep voice replied. There were a series of giggles. "I'll see you girls later." There was more than a hint of flirtation in his voice was from around the corner, a tall young man with red-brown hair tied at his nape entered the tent.

He wore a cowboy hat on his head and shot all three girls a seductive smile. "This is Irvine Kinneas, my lawyer," Seifer said calmly, although a scowl was still on his face. "He'll be here as well. Kinneas, this is the lovely Professor Quistis Trepe...and her two assistants."

Quistis rolled her eyes. "They are Selphie Tilmit, the head of our volunteer group, and Rinoa Caraway, a graduate student at the University of Galbadia, Deling City. She's my lead assistant."

"A pleasure ladies." Irvine said coolly as he took each of their hands and kissed the back of it. Seifer looked extremely annoyed as Rinoa laughed slightly. Selphie giggled and jumped up and down. Irvine gave her a wink.

"I suppose you'll be like Mr. Almasy-"

"Quistis, please, I told you, it's just Seifer." the blond male replied.

Quistis narrowed her eyes. "And I told you, SEIFER, that it's Professor Trepe. And Mr. Kinneas-"

"Just Irvine, Professor." he told her.

Quistis nodded. "Irvine, then. I supposed that you'll be doing work in your own tent?"

"Actually, all the legal work as been done. But I thought I could be of some help." Irvine said proudly.

Quistis raised an eyebrow in question. Before she could ask why, Selphie jumped. "Great! We can always use more volunteers!" the perky brunette smiled. Large green eyes looked up at Irvine. "Congratulations, Irvine! You're now part of my team! Let's go get your tent set up and then we can head out to the ruins."

"Great! Where can I pitch my tent?"

"Anywhere you want providing there is room."

"Is there room by your tent?" Rinoa nearly burst into fits of laughter at the last of Irvine's corny lines before concentrating on her work.

Behind her, Seifer looked over at Quistis and smiled. "So...anything I can help you with?"

Quistis grabbed a small leather bag with some tools and a sketch book and walked straight past him out the door. "Yes. You can leave me the hell alone."

Rinoa bit her bottom lip and shook her head. She could still hear Seifer trying to talk to Quistis as she sat on her chair. She was staring so hard at the monitor that she didn't even notice someone enter. A hand extended and touched her shoulder.

"Ah!" She jumped up slightly and turned around. Squall stood behind her looking surprised and Rinoa felt her entire body grow warm. Not only at the sight of him, but also at the memory of earlier that day.

"I'm sorry to startle you," he said. His voice was like silk around her body. "But I was calling you from the door way and you were so engrossed in your work."

"Sorry..." Rinoa trailed off. "I get like that," she shook her head to try to clear her thoughts slightly. "So...what are you doing here?"

"Professor Trepe said that I could use this place as a temporary medic tent," he said. "Do you mind if I set up?"

"Yeah, sure! Go ahead," Rinoa turned around and stood up. Her eyes studied the room, looking for a good place. "Umm...it's kind of messy in here. Any place in particular?" she asked, turning to look at him. Squall shrugged.

"Wherever."

Rinoa looked back at the mess and found that one corner away from her seemed relatively empty. "What about over there?" she said. She immediately began to walk towards the corner to start cleaning it out when her foot caught on to one of the cables. She realized it too late and stumbled forward. Her eyes went wide as she fell.

She readied herself to hit the wooden floor of the tent once more when two arms reached out and caught her just before she hit the ground. Her brown eyes opened and looked up into a pair of concerned blue ones. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Are you all right?" he asked softly.

Rinoa merely narrowed her eyes as she looked up at him, completely transfixed. "Are you sure...?" she whispered softly. Squall tilted his head slightly.

"Sure of what?" he asked, his voice softer than normal. He was crouched down next to her, practically cradling her in his strong arms.

"That we haven't met before..." she murmured. Unconsciously, she raised her and gently swept back brown locks of hair that was falling over his face. "Because I could've sworn I've seen these eyes before..."