DISCLAIMER: We all know it's Squaresoft.
CHAPTER 5: Rebuilding
Cid surveyed the meeting room. Everyone was present for the rebuilding of the orphanage at the beach. Squall was sitting beside him, as usual a blank expression on his face. Beside him was Rinoa casually chatting him up from time to time. Irvine was at the far end of the table playing with his hat, while Selphie was busily writing down in her diary. Quistis was sitting across her patiently waiting for the meeting to start. Lastly a very sleepy Zell sat across from him who looked like he could fall asleep in an instant.
Cid cleared his throat. "Good morning, everyone. I'd like to thank you for attending this meeting. As you know we are all here to discuss what is to happen at the orphanage". Every pair of eyes turned towards his direction. "I've received many ideas how to rebuild the orphanage back again. Hopefully by the end of this project, the place would be bigger, safer and hospitable for all children to be", he continued.
"Nida showed me his drawn plans for the place. They look amazing", Quistis commented. The headmaster nodded in agreement.
"Yes. Nida has been planning for a while now. He showed me few of his own designs and site plans a while ago. We must choose which one we like best to be able to get started on this project".
"Excuse me? I'd like to volunteer to decorate the place up", Selphie said cheerfully. "I've got a loadful of ideas how the place could look nicer".
"As long as you don't decorate the whole place yellow", Zell replied. Irvine chuckled at him.
Cid smiled. "Of course. That would be a good idea, Selphie. As soon as we've finished setting it up then you can see what you'll be able to do". Selphie beamed at his response.
"Well I don't have any problem with this thing. I'll volunteer to clear the debris once the house is smashed. I could do some lifting and pushing of the equipment", Irvine offered.
"I'll help with the painting if that's alright. Also some cleaning would be essential to for the place", Quistis said.
"Yeah. I'd like to help out too. I've been talking with Nida about his ideas and I'd like to share my own and help him out", Rinoa chimed in. She elbowed Squall.
"Yeah, that sounds good. I'll help Irvine with his job", he said. Everyone turned to look at Zell who still hasn't volunteered to do anything.
"Tch! Ok, ok. I'm ready to help as soon as I figure out what I could do. Hmm..." he frowned. "I could do some digging? Oh wait, I'll operate the tractor. How about brick layering?"
Irvine rolled his eyes. "Dude. Why don't you just do all of it? Better yet why don't you join Squall and I? Join the boys club?" he said smirking.
"Oh yeah! Be part of the "big boys" eh? This should be something" Zell replied. Both men high fived. The girls sighed and rolled their eyes.
"Well. This looks like a promising start. I don't want to hold you people any longer. How about paying a visit to the orphanage and see what you can do?" Cid said. He clapped his hands and stood up. "Well?"
Squall gave a nod. "We're on it".
* * * * * * *
Quistis carefully gave a careful stroke with her paintbrush, the wet smooth liquid covering a section of the wall. They have been working rebuilding the orphanage and everyone has contributed well. With the help of magic and their guardian forces their tasks has taken up less time.
The once crumbling house had been turned into a massive mansion. Double doors with a golden wood finish greet the front, while the house has been changed into terracotta colored brick and tile design. The house stood three stories high, yet still projects a cozy homey feeling. They had decided to use unbreakable window glass to avoid countless breakings from children.
They boys did a great job lifting and arranging the parts together. With the help of Bahamut, they were able to lift tones of wood and steel. The girls were in charge of interior decorating. They had personally chosen the colors and kinds of materials their supplies were made of. The finishing touch is to paint the house, which afterwards make it faster to dry with the help of Pandemonium.
Quistis smiled a little as she let her hand move up and down from the wall she's painting. She was careful not to let it drip on the ground as she goes. The light beige paint replaced the dull rough look of the wood underneath.
Beside her, Selphie giggled. "Wow, I can't believe we were able to rebuild the orphanage again! In just a matter of hours!"
She nodded. It can be amazing on what anyone can do with help from the GFs. Their task would surely take months to build if they had no help. She stops and took a step back to admire her handiwork. The house looked absolutely wonderful. A wave of memories flashed into her mind. She remembered her childhood along with her friends. She remembers Matron's home cooked meals that made her mouth water each time the smell rose to her nostrils. She remembered how she used to play on the beach building sandcastles. She remembered how she and Selphie played with their dolls occasionally with Irvine joining in. She recalled how she and Zell would play catch with a football. She remembered Ellone's story telling during nights when she and the others couldn't fall into sleep. She remembered Squall's withdrawn attitude preferring to be alone in a corner not talking to anyone else. How can she forget breaking him and Seifer whenever they used to get into quarrels and fist fights? The two would create a racket and being the responsible one she would come in the middle of the fight insisting they stop or else she would tell Matron.
Seifer.
An image of her former problematic student flashed in her mind. Whenever she remembered him, she felt a kind of sadness she couldn't really explain. Seifer had great potential in himself. He has a natural talent with fighting which no other can match. Squall has skills with his gunblade, but in comparison with Seifer he seemed a little clumsy and rough. Seifer handles his gunblade as if it's a part of his arm. He swings his weapon gracefully with ease as if it weighs like a feather. His movements are quick, smooth and powerful. However pride and arrogance took over his self. Instead of following his dreams, he shattered them. He broke his hope of ever becoming a strong soldier for the people. He let someone pull the strings in him, to let him be nothing more than a puppet to obey every command.
She shook her head sadly. "Seifer...what a sad story..." she muttered under her breath. She looked around and realized that Selphie had joined with the boys chatting excitedly with Zell and Irvine. Squall was looking over at a map with Rinoa who was pointing over at the horizon.
She studied her friends carefully. I wonder if they ever felt the emptiness I'm feeling. I wonder if they know what's it like trying to find their purpose. Mostly I wonder what it feels like to feel truly alive, to wake up the next morning knowing your reason here, she thought. A light breeze blew a strand of golden hair across her face. It really feels peaceful here. Away from fighting, from wars and from the busy hassles of life.
"Quistis..."
She snapped out of her thoughts and turned around. Was that someone calling out her name? Confused she didn't see anyone out there. The only people around her were her friends but they were too far away to call out to her.
"Over here. Help me. I'm stuck"
She searched for that voice. It sounded like a young girl.
"Quisty, please help! I can't get out!"
She scanned the beach. The voice seemed to be coming from there. She took a step. And another. She kept walking until she was at the waters, sand and seashells crunching beneath her boots. The voice seemed to be calling off from a distance coming from the waters. It was too late to go back. Whoever was calling for help might not make it by the time she called for the others.
The waters were a dark blue. Waves rolled and crashed as the wind pushed it towards the shoreline. The sun was hiding behind thick clouds making the water look darker than it really is. Something strange happened. Quistis lost all feeling in her body. It is as if her body had another mind of its own and started acting up against her will. She took a step towards the waters. Slowly through heavy water soaked boots she continued step after step until she was in chest deep water.
What's going on?! Stop! Her mind screamed the words but her mouth wouldn't open. She fought desperately with her body but it continued to do what it likes against her own will. The water was freezing against her skin. A wave crashed towards her, but amazingly she wasn't knocked off her feet. It tore off her hair clip, her hair blowing wildly from her face. She resisted whatever force was trying to control her body, but she was helpless against it.
"Hee hee...Quisty I'm here! Please don't leave me. You have to come get me, ok?"
Her body was magnetized towards the girl's voice. It was coming underneath the waters. She continued to walk the water up to her neck now. Oh Hyne, I'm going to drown! She was desperate. But whatever is making her do these wouldn't give her control even as much as bat an eyelash. A huge wave crash above her sending her whole body underwater.
It was dark. She couldn't see anything underwater. All noise above is oblivion against the deep waters. Her hair floating everywhere around her, the freezing water stabbed her skin like knives. She couldn't breathe. The coldness seeping in her to her heart. She tried to swim back up but her body still refused to do so. She floated there helplessly as the others were unaware of this.
"Goodbye, Quistis. Thank you for coming here to play. I'm sorry you're the first one to go. Don't worry. You won't have to be alone for long. Soon one by one your friends will join you."
She felt everything stop. She felt like she had been awakened by being slapped in the face. So it is true. The little girl's voice changed into Ultimecia's, cold and harsh. She felt her lungs burning for air. Her eyes stung by the saltwater. Her clothes felt heavy tangling around her body. So this is how I'm going to die. She felt her body sinking deeper and deeper into the ocean, an endless journey to the bottom. Thoughts raced through her mind as she tried to think up of a way to warn the others about her predicament. It's too late now. She felt the last of her breath leaving her body.
Red. That's all she can see. She can't even feel the water rippling through her skin anymore. Black dots danced before her eyes. She felt weaker and weaker.
She felt something wrap around her waist. At first she thought it was a spirit from Hyne's heaven claiming her to be judged. Hyne, I hope I'll go to heaven. She didn't want to spend an eternity with Ultimecia in hell. She felt being hauled towards the surface. Whatever or whoever is trying to get her out has good strength to carry her and its weight from the stubborn waters. Suddenly she felt air enter her aching lungs. Oh air! How good it felt to breathe! Salt still stinging her eyes she couldn't focus properly on her savior. She felt strong arms carry her off towards the beach and laid her on the sand.
Coughing, she spitted out water. Hair tangled and covering her face she struggled to see who was responsible for helping her. When the black dots disappeared and her vision cleared, the first thing she saw a familiar navy blue vest with a cross insignia in the front. Her eyes traveled upwards to a familiar face. Blond hair wet and messy, a scar diagonally slashed across between the eyes but the thing that's the most noticeable was his eyes. It still held that brilliant emerald green color that never lost its sparkle throughout all this time.
She was staring at the face of Seifer Almasy.
Oh Hyne, have I gone to hell?
Author's note: Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who reviewed my fic especially those who were following this from the beginning. Thank you!
Second, I would just like to remind those that this is the first fanfic I've written therefore it's no surprise it's full of clichés. I know my plot isn't original, but hey, I've started writing this two years ago so I don't wanna give this up now. I know I still got a lot of improvement to make for my writing, but don't worry. I'm trying my best. I've still got loads of plans for future chapters explaining why Ultimecia's still alive and all.
Third, I would like to dedicate this fic to my granddad. He isn't well right now being stuck in the hospital. Pls keep him in your prayers.
Lastly, I would like to greet my dad a Happy Birthday!
PS: Please gimme some reviews! Hopefully I'll get more this time.
CHAPTER 5: Rebuilding
Cid surveyed the meeting room. Everyone was present for the rebuilding of the orphanage at the beach. Squall was sitting beside him, as usual a blank expression on his face. Beside him was Rinoa casually chatting him up from time to time. Irvine was at the far end of the table playing with his hat, while Selphie was busily writing down in her diary. Quistis was sitting across her patiently waiting for the meeting to start. Lastly a very sleepy Zell sat across from him who looked like he could fall asleep in an instant.
Cid cleared his throat. "Good morning, everyone. I'd like to thank you for attending this meeting. As you know we are all here to discuss what is to happen at the orphanage". Every pair of eyes turned towards his direction. "I've received many ideas how to rebuild the orphanage back again. Hopefully by the end of this project, the place would be bigger, safer and hospitable for all children to be", he continued.
"Nida showed me his drawn plans for the place. They look amazing", Quistis commented. The headmaster nodded in agreement.
"Yes. Nida has been planning for a while now. He showed me few of his own designs and site plans a while ago. We must choose which one we like best to be able to get started on this project".
"Excuse me? I'd like to volunteer to decorate the place up", Selphie said cheerfully. "I've got a loadful of ideas how the place could look nicer".
"As long as you don't decorate the whole place yellow", Zell replied. Irvine chuckled at him.
Cid smiled. "Of course. That would be a good idea, Selphie. As soon as we've finished setting it up then you can see what you'll be able to do". Selphie beamed at his response.
"Well I don't have any problem with this thing. I'll volunteer to clear the debris once the house is smashed. I could do some lifting and pushing of the equipment", Irvine offered.
"I'll help with the painting if that's alright. Also some cleaning would be essential to for the place", Quistis said.
"Yeah. I'd like to help out too. I've been talking with Nida about his ideas and I'd like to share my own and help him out", Rinoa chimed in. She elbowed Squall.
"Yeah, that sounds good. I'll help Irvine with his job", he said. Everyone turned to look at Zell who still hasn't volunteered to do anything.
"Tch! Ok, ok. I'm ready to help as soon as I figure out what I could do. Hmm..." he frowned. "I could do some digging? Oh wait, I'll operate the tractor. How about brick layering?"
Irvine rolled his eyes. "Dude. Why don't you just do all of it? Better yet why don't you join Squall and I? Join the boys club?" he said smirking.
"Oh yeah! Be part of the "big boys" eh? This should be something" Zell replied. Both men high fived. The girls sighed and rolled their eyes.
"Well. This looks like a promising start. I don't want to hold you people any longer. How about paying a visit to the orphanage and see what you can do?" Cid said. He clapped his hands and stood up. "Well?"
Squall gave a nod. "We're on it".
* * * * * * *
Quistis carefully gave a careful stroke with her paintbrush, the wet smooth liquid covering a section of the wall. They have been working rebuilding the orphanage and everyone has contributed well. With the help of magic and their guardian forces their tasks has taken up less time.
The once crumbling house had been turned into a massive mansion. Double doors with a golden wood finish greet the front, while the house has been changed into terracotta colored brick and tile design. The house stood three stories high, yet still projects a cozy homey feeling. They had decided to use unbreakable window glass to avoid countless breakings from children.
They boys did a great job lifting and arranging the parts together. With the help of Bahamut, they were able to lift tones of wood and steel. The girls were in charge of interior decorating. They had personally chosen the colors and kinds of materials their supplies were made of. The finishing touch is to paint the house, which afterwards make it faster to dry with the help of Pandemonium.
Quistis smiled a little as she let her hand move up and down from the wall she's painting. She was careful not to let it drip on the ground as she goes. The light beige paint replaced the dull rough look of the wood underneath.
Beside her, Selphie giggled. "Wow, I can't believe we were able to rebuild the orphanage again! In just a matter of hours!"
She nodded. It can be amazing on what anyone can do with help from the GFs. Their task would surely take months to build if they had no help. She stops and took a step back to admire her handiwork. The house looked absolutely wonderful. A wave of memories flashed into her mind. She remembered her childhood along with her friends. She remembers Matron's home cooked meals that made her mouth water each time the smell rose to her nostrils. She remembered how she used to play on the beach building sandcastles. She remembered how she and Selphie played with their dolls occasionally with Irvine joining in. She recalled how she and Zell would play catch with a football. She remembered Ellone's story telling during nights when she and the others couldn't fall into sleep. She remembered Squall's withdrawn attitude preferring to be alone in a corner not talking to anyone else. How can she forget breaking him and Seifer whenever they used to get into quarrels and fist fights? The two would create a racket and being the responsible one she would come in the middle of the fight insisting they stop or else she would tell Matron.
Seifer.
An image of her former problematic student flashed in her mind. Whenever she remembered him, she felt a kind of sadness she couldn't really explain. Seifer had great potential in himself. He has a natural talent with fighting which no other can match. Squall has skills with his gunblade, but in comparison with Seifer he seemed a little clumsy and rough. Seifer handles his gunblade as if it's a part of his arm. He swings his weapon gracefully with ease as if it weighs like a feather. His movements are quick, smooth and powerful. However pride and arrogance took over his self. Instead of following his dreams, he shattered them. He broke his hope of ever becoming a strong soldier for the people. He let someone pull the strings in him, to let him be nothing more than a puppet to obey every command.
She shook her head sadly. "Seifer...what a sad story..." she muttered under her breath. She looked around and realized that Selphie had joined with the boys chatting excitedly with Zell and Irvine. Squall was looking over at a map with Rinoa who was pointing over at the horizon.
She studied her friends carefully. I wonder if they ever felt the emptiness I'm feeling. I wonder if they know what's it like trying to find their purpose. Mostly I wonder what it feels like to feel truly alive, to wake up the next morning knowing your reason here, she thought. A light breeze blew a strand of golden hair across her face. It really feels peaceful here. Away from fighting, from wars and from the busy hassles of life.
"Quistis..."
She snapped out of her thoughts and turned around. Was that someone calling out her name? Confused she didn't see anyone out there. The only people around her were her friends but they were too far away to call out to her.
"Over here. Help me. I'm stuck"
She searched for that voice. It sounded like a young girl.
"Quisty, please help! I can't get out!"
She scanned the beach. The voice seemed to be coming from there. She took a step. And another. She kept walking until she was at the waters, sand and seashells crunching beneath her boots. The voice seemed to be calling off from a distance coming from the waters. It was too late to go back. Whoever was calling for help might not make it by the time she called for the others.
The waters were a dark blue. Waves rolled and crashed as the wind pushed it towards the shoreline. The sun was hiding behind thick clouds making the water look darker than it really is. Something strange happened. Quistis lost all feeling in her body. It is as if her body had another mind of its own and started acting up against her will. She took a step towards the waters. Slowly through heavy water soaked boots she continued step after step until she was in chest deep water.
What's going on?! Stop! Her mind screamed the words but her mouth wouldn't open. She fought desperately with her body but it continued to do what it likes against her own will. The water was freezing against her skin. A wave crashed towards her, but amazingly she wasn't knocked off her feet. It tore off her hair clip, her hair blowing wildly from her face. She resisted whatever force was trying to control her body, but she was helpless against it.
"Hee hee...Quisty I'm here! Please don't leave me. You have to come get me, ok?"
Her body was magnetized towards the girl's voice. It was coming underneath the waters. She continued to walk the water up to her neck now. Oh Hyne, I'm going to drown! She was desperate. But whatever is making her do these wouldn't give her control even as much as bat an eyelash. A huge wave crash above her sending her whole body underwater.
It was dark. She couldn't see anything underwater. All noise above is oblivion against the deep waters. Her hair floating everywhere around her, the freezing water stabbed her skin like knives. She couldn't breathe. The coldness seeping in her to her heart. She tried to swim back up but her body still refused to do so. She floated there helplessly as the others were unaware of this.
"Goodbye, Quistis. Thank you for coming here to play. I'm sorry you're the first one to go. Don't worry. You won't have to be alone for long. Soon one by one your friends will join you."
She felt everything stop. She felt like she had been awakened by being slapped in the face. So it is true. The little girl's voice changed into Ultimecia's, cold and harsh. She felt her lungs burning for air. Her eyes stung by the saltwater. Her clothes felt heavy tangling around her body. So this is how I'm going to die. She felt her body sinking deeper and deeper into the ocean, an endless journey to the bottom. Thoughts raced through her mind as she tried to think up of a way to warn the others about her predicament. It's too late now. She felt the last of her breath leaving her body.
Red. That's all she can see. She can't even feel the water rippling through her skin anymore. Black dots danced before her eyes. She felt weaker and weaker.
She felt something wrap around her waist. At first she thought it was a spirit from Hyne's heaven claiming her to be judged. Hyne, I hope I'll go to heaven. She didn't want to spend an eternity with Ultimecia in hell. She felt being hauled towards the surface. Whatever or whoever is trying to get her out has good strength to carry her and its weight from the stubborn waters. Suddenly she felt air enter her aching lungs. Oh air! How good it felt to breathe! Salt still stinging her eyes she couldn't focus properly on her savior. She felt strong arms carry her off towards the beach and laid her on the sand.
Coughing, she spitted out water. Hair tangled and covering her face she struggled to see who was responsible for helping her. When the black dots disappeared and her vision cleared, the first thing she saw a familiar navy blue vest with a cross insignia in the front. Her eyes traveled upwards to a familiar face. Blond hair wet and messy, a scar diagonally slashed across between the eyes but the thing that's the most noticeable was his eyes. It still held that brilliant emerald green color that never lost its sparkle throughout all this time.
She was staring at the face of Seifer Almasy.
Oh Hyne, have I gone to hell?
Author's note: Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who reviewed my fic especially those who were following this from the beginning. Thank you!
Second, I would just like to remind those that this is the first fanfic I've written therefore it's no surprise it's full of clichés. I know my plot isn't original, but hey, I've started writing this two years ago so I don't wanna give this up now. I know I still got a lot of improvement to make for my writing, but don't worry. I'm trying my best. I've still got loads of plans for future chapters explaining why Ultimecia's still alive and all.
Third, I would like to dedicate this fic to my granddad. He isn't well right now being stuck in the hospital. Pls keep him in your prayers.
Lastly, I would like to greet my dad a Happy Birthday!
PS: Please gimme some reviews! Hopefully I'll get more this time.