One Good Deed

By Caelia

Chapter Nine: preparation hell


Squall's head was throbbing. That was the absolute last time he made the mistake of playing a drinking game with Selphie. She always won, which never failed to surprise him. For such a small girl, her tolerance is amazing, Squall mused to himself. He wasn't exactly sure what happened after the drinking games ended, but he had a feeling that some personal information was divulged. He sensed that it was most of the information centering on his relationship to Laguna.

Now this left Selphie with several options. First of all, she could (and probably would) publish this information on her online shrine to the President of Esthar. Then after thoroughly circulating her newfound information throughout the Garden, she would move onto phase two: Selphie would fix it. Selphie was Squall's social opposite in every way. He had no doubt that she was more capable of handling his personal life than he was.


Zell took a deep breath and scanned the area. He and Rinoa had been in Timber for a little over four days now. As it turns out, that was about all the time needed to clear out the town of Galbadian forces. The army was barely functioning and coarsely pieced together. It was a small job for a group of SeeDs to clear out any trouble makers.

He turned around to face his raven haired partner. Rinoa dusted herself off then turned to meet Zell's gaze.

"You notice anything odd?" he asked. Rinoa cocked her head, unsure of how to respond to the question.

"What? Did you think that taking down a couple dozen rebel soldiers would be harder?" Her voice was lightly puzzled.

"No, not that," Zell ran a hand through his hair. The last two battles had made him a bit sweaty, causing his hair to droop a bit. "It's just I haven't seen a single monster in the area."

"Then I guess we're lucky." Rinoa smiled and shook it off.


"Professor please. . ."

"No."

"But you could. . ."

"No!"

Skyeli pouted as she leaned on the rail of the Training Center. It was mid-afternoon on Friday and she had been forced to attend her old morning class with Professor Tilmitt for an important announcement. This had turned out to be the teams for the SeeD exam on the following Friday; her team consisted of Reiko and Caine. It was like some giant cosmic joke and she wasn't laughing.

"Seifer come on, they hate me. What if they murder me and toss me in a ditch? I bet that wouldn't reflect to well on your teaching ability," she lifted her head hope rose up inside her. "I can see the headlines now, 'Former Sorceress' Knight Allows Student to be Slaughtered by Jealous Classmates.' It's some seriously bad press."

"You're putting a little too much value on yourself, don't you think?" He asked with a smirk. "I mean to the Garden, you'd just be another lost head-case…" Seifer looked away as he said this and in doing so, missed Skyeli grimacing at him. "Besides, Quistis is going to be your control, so it's no problem. She's very fair, you know that."

"What are you talking about?" Skyeli demanded, absolutely incredulous that he could take the situation so lightly. "Whether or not she is fair, she still won't believe me over them. Especially since she will just wait back with the transport, she won't even know what's going on!"

"Don't be stupid, just because the Commanding Officer doesn't follow you out onto the field, don't assume you aren't being observed." Seifer narrowed his eyes and turned to face Skyeli again. "Do me a favor and try to remember that." With that said, he turned and headed deeper into the Training Center with hopes of finding a T-Rexaur for the two of them.

Skyeli, however, hadn't moved. If she didn't know better, she would have thought she was going into a sort of mini-shock. He doesn't believe me. But, I thought for sure he didn't trust Caine… No, he doesn't believe in me; I guess what it comes down to is that he doesn't trust me either… Finding no comfort in that thought, Skyeli gave a glum little sigh and jogged to catch up with her Professor. She made certain to keep him within her sight, but stayed far enough behind so that he couldn't hurl further insults her way. Unfortunately, she had become so distracted by her own search for the elusive pre-historic animal that she failed to notice Seifer had stopped. She walked past him by several feet before realizing what she had done.

Seifer was standing in the off to the side staring into the lush greenery and away from Skyeli.

"…"

"Sorry," she said, peering around to try to get a look at his face. "Did you say something?"

"I. Said. I'm. Sorry." Despite his struggling to enunciate each word, but it still came like a growl. "This isn't easy."

Skyeli just offered a little lopsided grin. "I know, it's never easy admitting you were wrong, but I'm proud of you Professor. This was a big step forward for you."

"Not that." The blonde's voice was now clipped with anger.

"Oh, you mean being a teacher? Yeah I suppose. I bet it'll be even worse when you have to deal with someone who's really dense."

"You mean like right now?!" He exclaimed, "I'm not talking about teaching or apologizing! I'm talking about the Field Exam!"

"Why? You're not the one who has to take." The solemn girl looked up at him, her face a mask of confusion.

"I could strangle you right now!" He said, grabbing Skyeli's arm and pushing her up against the rail that had been on his right side. "Listen very carefully. I am nervous because if this doesn't work out right, I'm back to square one. I have to start my petition to become a teacher all over again, and frankly, I don't want to do that. So, there is a lot ridding on all this and I'm sorry I'm taking it out on you." He finished and waited for her to berate him with feminine sympathy. He was more than a little thrown of balance by what he got instead.

"Hyne, if you're this bitchy right now, I don't even want to think about what you are going to be like next week. Oh, look! I think I saw something move in the woods." And without paying any further attention to Seifer, she skipped off to the opposite side of the path and jumped the rail into the jungle. Seifer remained there, mouth hanging open, until Skyeli called back to him, announcing her discovery of their T-Rexaur. Feeling powerful again, Seifer gripped the handle of Hyperion a little tighter and headed off to help.

However, what he found when he arrived at the petite brunette's side was yet another shock. Although she could not have been fighting the beast for more than 30 seconds, he was already swaying on his feet. It only took a physical attack from Skyeli and two Blizzagas from Seifer to render the animal unconscious.

"Phew, well, that's enough for me, time to hit the showers." Skyeli turned sharply, avoiding Seifer's eyes, and headed towards the exit.

"Wait a minute," he shouted at her retreating form and then made to follow. "That was the first T-Rexaur all day and I think someone got to it before us! You haven't even broken a sweat! Did you even get to summon Shiva? All I saw you do was hit it with…" Seifer broke off as he grabbed her by the arm and turned her to face him. Something wasn't quite right about her eyes…

"Let go. What?" The look the older boy was giving her was a little unsettling.

"Your eyes, they are sort of off a bit. They're so bright…"

"Hmm… oh that." Skyeli shrugged, giving the appearance of a lack of concern. "My eyes change color naturally. It just depends on the day I guess…"

"That would explain what I've seen over the past few days, but this is different. They're sort of shifting through different shades of blue." He reached out to touch the side of her face, but Skyeli looked down sharply. Seifer continued in a sort of bemused, distracted voice. "Reminds me of something I've been meaning to ask you, about your GF's." Skyeli made a non-committal grunt and wait for him to continue. She knew she should have left by now, but his hand was resting on her face and he was drawing light circles with his thumb.

"What about my GFs?" She prompted.

"Why did we have to get Shiva, when you could already junction Leviathan. Selphie didn't mention that."

"Oh." She coughed slightly and shook her head lightly so his hand fell away. "That. I found him…" Or he found me, either way… "I never told anyone, because I never really summoned it. I just used it to build up my junctions. Besides, I never really earned a GF for myself, so that's why I needed to face Shiva."

"About Shiva…" Seifer started, his gaze becoming more focused and piercing. "Something weird happened down in that cave? Shiva, like, backed down or something. Did you notice?"

"Hmm… not really." Her voice was airy and distracted as she resolutely concentrated on a spot over his shoulder. "Maybe she sensed Leviathan in me, and decided to back down…" Skyeli allowed her eyes to graze his before turning to look over his other shoulder.

"That doesn't make sense, what could Shiva have to fear from a little water?" But before he got an answer to this, a roar behind him announced the awakening of their T-Rexaur. Skyeli grabbed her Glaive and pushed around him, flying into physical attacks. Seifer merely stowed his questions and turned to follow.


By the time Seifer and Skyeli had made their way through the Training Center's loop they had gone through 5 T-Rexaurs and 18 Gnats, and it was way past 5 o'clock at night. Skyeli was too tired to pay much attention to Seifer's repeated attempts to extract information from her. So, facing complete failure he let her go to bed with hopes of talking to her on Saturday. However, Skyeli was paying more attention that Seifer originally realized. When he went to find her mid-morning that day, he learned that she had taken the idea of a day off seriously. Reiko had leaned out the door, giving him the best possible view, and announced that her roommate had taken off early this morning and had not left information to her whereabouts.

Seifer had spent the rest of the morning and afternoon searching the Garden and surrounding area for Skyeli, but it appeared she did not want to be found. When he walked into dinner that evening, he gave one last look around, sighed in defeat and headed over to Squall and Zell. The two boys were sitting far apart from the other students and faculty, talking quietly to one another. Seifer noted that Rinoa was absent as he walked up to the pair. The two quieted as Seifer approached.

"Don't stop on my account," he said with a smile. "Where's your girlfriend, Leonhart?"

Squall just shrugged and said, "With Selphie, planning stuff." Seifer didn't push it, and instead turned his attention to Zell.

"If you're not too busy, I have a favor to ask you, Zell." The blonde in question looked up with a little bit of surprise in his eyes.

"Must be a pretty big favor for you to use my given name," Zell commented passively. Seifer just continued to smile. He knew no matter what he called Zell, the martial artist would still be interested in the little job he had for him. Seifer reached into his pocket and pulled out a bent, silver locket.

"My student accidentally broke this and it means so much to her. I know you're good at this sort of thing, so maybe you could fix it?" Seifer knew he didn't really have to ask; he could already see the eagerness shining in the smaller man's eyes. Zell had taken the locket from Seifer and was carefully turning it in his hand, inspecting the damage. Suddenly he looked up.

"It'll be a challenge, it's totally bent out of shape," but Seifer could see that was exactly why he was going to take it up. "See, look here. It's even cracked in a few places. This will take me a bit. You didn't need it back immediately, did you?"

"Nah, by the end of the week if you can," Seifer stood, nodded at the two men and took his leave. When he was well out of ear-shot, Squall continued where he left off.

"See? He wasn't like that before. He's almost…?" The brunette just shook his head sadly, at a lose for words.

"Nice? Considerate? Respectful?" Zell rescued. "I know, he wasn't like that before. Not even after we was brought back into the Garden, but people do change. Maybe Seifer has finally grown up?"

"No, Seifer's always had a plan, as long as I've known him. He doesn't do anything unless it serves him somehow. Remember how his was the night he came back? Snuck in and everything." Squall said as he let the memories drift past him.

:: two years before ::

The six students had been called up to meet with Cid and Edea. It was only 8:00am and they had all been up into the early morning partying, whether at the ball or in private quarters. Upon arriving they offered the traditional SeeD salute (even Rinoa).

"At ease," Cid said with a frown from behind his desk. Edea was standing beside him looking thoughtful. Squall was the first to step forward.

Saluting again he asked, "Headmaster, why have we been called? Has something gone wrong?"

"No, er, yes. Maybe. . ." Cid was obviously in need of some aid and looked to his wife for help, which Edea offered over.

"What he is trying to say, my children, is that last night we had a visitor." Edea began slowly and cautiously, scanning the group before her for signs of recognition. When there were none, she continued. "I know that these past few months have been difficult for you. I also know that is an understatement. But the same applies to the young man that visited us last night. His time has been marked with trials and tribulations not unlike your own. I just wish you will bear that in mind when you meet him."

Matron's speech was causing Squall bile to rise into the back of his throat. "Whatever…" Squall mumbled in an attempt to hide his unease.

"Try and control yourself, for my sake," sighed Edea. Turning to the door that led to her bedroom she called out, "Will you come out here please, Seifer."

And with those softly spoken words, the entire room became deathly still. Seifer strutted into the room, proving that he had not changed much in the month since they had last seen him. Cocky bastard , thought Quistis. But behind his eyes was something else, something completely unlike Seifer. Buried deep in his eyes were hints of regret, sorrow and fear. He, the great Sorceress's Knight, was terrified of what these people might do to him.

Edea could feel it. The room was too quiet, she was waiting for the explosion, but she couldn't decide which direction it would come from. And then she realized it wasn't coming. They were all waiting on Squall, and he wasn't moving. He just stood there with his head bent, struggling to keep his breath calm. And then his head popped up, and Edea saw all that was running through his mind.

Squall wouldn't attack for three reasons. First, Edea, his Matron, his only mother, had asked him not to. Second was Rinoa's hand, placed on his arm restraining him long enough for him to think through this situation. Third was the realization that whatever choice he made, the five people standing next to him would act on that decision.

"So what the fuck does he want here?" Squall finally managed, addressing Edea and refusing to acknowledge Seifer's existence.

Edea opened her mouth to answer but was cut off by the voice of Seifer.

"Look, I know that you probably never wanted to see me again. And I understand that. I betrayed the Garden, I betrayed our group; hell, I even betrayed my two best friends in the whole world! But this is my home. It's the only one I know other than the orphanage, and I have a lot left to do here. That's not an apology, I know, but it's the best I can manage. Just give me this chance to set things straight, alright?"

"Since it was your lives he touched the most, I put his faith in your hands," Edea spoke, while Cid nodded in absent agreement.

Squall turned his back on Seifer and looked at his friends. Taking a deep breath, he asked, "Do we let him stay?"

"We need to give him the chance. I know what it's like to be under a Sorceress's influence. I'm sure he is sincerely sorry for all the damage he has caused," Rinoa spoke up first.

"Remember man, he's been one of us from the beginning; since the orphanage and then here, at Garden. He is a part of our lives," said the cowboy with Selphie nodding at his side.

"Squall, you know I'd be the last one to stand up and defend Seifer and I can't believe I'm saying this, but. . . . . . I agree with Rinoa and Irvine," offered Zell. Shit, he looks defeated, thought Squall.

Quistis gave a little kick at the air, and began to murmur, "He always had such potential . . . . the whole thing started just because he wanted to help."

Squall nodded and looked around at everyone, taking in their determination. He turned back to the trio standing by the desk.

"Alright. Stay. But you're not going to be allowed back into the SeeD program immediately and your position on D.C. is suspended as of now. Dismissed." Squall said in clipped tones. Everyone began to file out of the room. Seifer was the last to walk by Squall.

"Oh, yes, and Seifer one more thing. Stay the hell away from me and Rinoa for a while." With that Squall turned on his heel and followed Rinoa to the elevator, leaving Seifer to contemplate all that had just passed.

"Yeah," Zell began, breaking through Squall's memory. "I remember what he was like back then, and before you say it, no, I never got a formal apology. Seifer is changing Squall, just not that much."

"Whatever."


It was well past 8 before Skyeli strolled back into the Garden, smiling to herself. Her cheeks were flushed, her skin already forming a light tan and the sand still clung determinedly to her hair. This was clearly a girl who had just stepped off the beach. Seifer had told her to relax and take the day off and she couldn't think of a better place to do that than Balamb Beach. It was not hard to find a deserted section; despite the fact that Balamb was a small island, there was space enough for everyone.

Skyeli was about to head to the dorms when she realized Reiko would probably be in their room. It had been a long time since she'd been in such a good mood and she wasn't going to let her spiteful roommate take that from her too. Turning swiftly on her heel, Skyeli decided that the library was the second best place to hole up and avoid the world. It was the exact same thought that Seifer had.

He watched his student walk in, pick up a magazine and flop down in a comfy, corner chair. She looked tired, but there was still a glow about her. She'd taken this day off thing to heart and not even Seifer could disturb her. With a sigh of boredom, he turned back to the text before him. The basic battle strategies being described within were so simple he was sure any of the junior cadets could perform them. However, with the exam approaching, he would take no chances. Skyeli would just have to bear the boredom, as he was now, while they reviewed.

Seifer had kept Skyeli successfully out of his mind until one of the librarians came over to tap him on the shoulder.

"Library is closing now, would you like to check that out?" His inquiry was polite, but forceful. Clearly this worker didn't want to stay late. Seifer glanced over at the chair Skyeli had been occupying, noticing the pig-tail girl standing over her with a puzzled look on her face. Skyeli had fallen asleep.

Turning back to the boy before him, Seifer handed him the book. "Yeah, take that to the counter and I'll be right there. I just need to get something of mine." The male librarian snatched the book from Seifer's outstretched hand and stormed off. The big blonde, however, headed over to aid the pig-tailed girl.

"Don't worry, I'll get her," the girl just smiled in relief at Seifer's offer. She had been trying several methods and was still unsuccessful at rousing the girl on the chair. Seifer leaned down,, bringing his mouth to her ear. "Skyeli," he whispered softly, but to no avail. Remembering Quistis's clever move in the Infirmary, Seifer gently pinched shut her nostrils.

Skyeli coughed once and blinked up owlishly at the man standing over her. "Seifer… what are you doing here?" Still too tired to form a complete thought, she looked around trying to take in her surroundings. Unfortunately, the island sun had taken its toll. She gave up, looking to Seifer helplessly.

"Relax, kid, you just fell asleep in the Library. They're closing now, so I'm going to walk you back, ok?" But all Skyeli did was nod limply and allow him to drag her out of the chair. As they were passing the entrance, a book was tossed rather forcibly at Seifer's head. Seifer caught it easily and turned, snarling at his assailant. The rude librarian from earlier looked back with a nasty smirk.

"Your book, sir," he said waspishly.


A/N: PLEASE REVIEW ME! Thank you so much for reading my story. I've made false promises to finish it before (I started this back in 2000), but I really hope to be able to this time. I'm a little annoyed because isn't accepting my formating for some reason. Sorry to those of you who read this chapter as it was originally posted. The page breaks were deleted for some reason.

Chapter 10: sowing your wild SeeDs: Seifer has a semi-conscious Skyeli to himself. What will he do with her? It's exam time! With Reiko and Caine in her group, is she even safe? Plus, wedding bells are ringing a little louder for Squall.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own them and I'm not strong enough to fight off everyone on for them. Skyeli Paige, Caine Morningstar and Reiko Keyling belong to me, so please don't steal them. They're all a little nuts anyway. . .