DISCLAIMER: If somehow I ever owned the FF series then I know I've been dreaming. Since I'm awake right now, we all know Squaresoft owns that magnificent game.
CHAPTER 7: Guilty or Not Guilty?
Seifer stared at the glossy mahogany tabletop. His reflection glared back up at him, eyebrows knitted together, scar wrinkled slightly and mouth set in a grim line. He'd been waiting in Cid's office for over an hour since the trial finished. The Garden officials had conjured up a follow up meeting to discuss the final decision of the ex-knight. They've been gone for a long time, and minute by minute impatience is eating up away inside him. They're sure taking their sweet fucking time, he thought bitterly. He recalled the events that happened over the last four hours.
Cid, Squall and Quistis were present being as representatives of Balamb Garden. Headmistress Yamary, Commander Clider and sub-commander Drake came to represent Trabia, whereas the new headmaster Xavar of Galbadia came with Anilor and Kree as leaders of Galbadia Garden. The trial took hours. A thousand testimonies, proofs, objectives and accusations were enough to blow all their heads off by the end of the day. In Fujin's and Raijin's case the two didn't take too long for their case to be solved. They were found to participate with the ex-knight's actions, but not completely guilty therefore their punishment isn't necessarily severe. His is a different story.
Shit. This can be no worse than hell.
He closes his eyes tightly as he forced himself to shut down the events that took just hours ago.
Flash.
All nine pairs of eyes were glued to him. Most of them were cold, unnerving, bitter or hateful. All except for the Balamb group. Cid look surprised and all the same time sympathetic for the young man before them. Squall, as usual, wore no expression. Hard to read, hard to figure. Quistis looked stern and solemn. Hell, he doesn't even want to delve within Trepe's thoughts about him. They're all the same. This fucking place with its entire fucking people. And what's worse is that he and his friends were forced to put up with this damn trial.
He watched as Headmaster Xavar got up from his table, buttoning his jacket as he approached him. His face showed many experiences in life. A balding man he looked sternly towards him. Sitting in the front middle of the audience in the stand made Seifer feel like he's a wild animal who's the main attraction for a zoo. In Xavar's hands he carried some documents. He cleared his throat.
"Mr. Almasy, I as well as the GalbadiaGarden community had reviewed your past actions. Each accusation had been looked upon to with detail, and we have brought in our evidence against you to prove them." With that he revealed some video tapes inside his briefcase. "Before I show the other officials these tapes that I've got, let me state the accusations charged against you. Mr. Almasy has been charged with first degree murder, assault, attacks for both Balamb and TrabiaGarden and allegiance with the Sorceress. These are very serious charges that can very well result in the death penalty. Now let me start on the first accusation. Murder-"he paused as he looked at Seifer.
"Here are detailed events reported regarding his charges", Anilor said as he stood up from his seat to hand over a thick folder full of documents to his leader. "Several SeeD's from all Gardens were killed under his command. Apparently SeeD's were either tortured or killed if they did not cooperate with Almasy. What was wanted from them is the real meaning behind SeeD. The way of the SeeD was very much wanted, if we operate on a top secret method. There had been at least thirty SeeD's reported who had been killed since the SeeD hunt. Missing in action was counted for as deceased. Accusation was filed in report by Gromose Hiller, a Galbadian soldier." He stood up and approached the stand where a microphone is placed just a few feet beside him.
For a brief second he saw a flash within Squall's eyes. He was one of those SeeD's he had tortured in the Desert Prison. The longest and the most painful. He blinked and the flash was gone. Just as always.
"Mr. Almasy", Anilor continued. "Let's begin with your reason, if you ever have any, your side of the story as to why capture SeeDs and torture them mercilessly just to find out the purpose of SeeD? Under what Hyne forsaken reason would you do such a cruel thing?"
"Well. Since you asked, might as well say it now. I just wanted to fuck with all of you, that's all", Seifer sneered. Anilor was getting on his nerves. If they weren't on trial right now, he would've beaten the daylights out of him by now.
"You know Mr. Almasy that you are on trial right now, don't you? If that's the best you can do then we'll have no choice but to put you in a life sentence. Though, in my opinion that is quite mild for a wild animal to be put on to. You deserved to be put to death! After all the horrific actions you had done you don't even have any remorse! You murdered people! You ruined thousands of lives! You attacked both Trabia and BalambGarden! You—"
"Why don't you shut up! To hell with you! Don't act so high and almighty, Anilor. Before you open your damn mouth let me remind you that it is Galbadia Garden who attacked Balamb under Edea's command, wasn't it?", Seifer glared at the commander of Galbadia Garden. His voice reminds him of a little whiny boy who whines if he didn't get any candy. He would just love to squeeze his throat until it snaps.
Anilor's eyes widened at his sudden outburst. He opened his mouth to unleash his comeback, but nothing came out. He snapped his mouth shut as he glared back at the dark blond man. "Why you son of a bitch! It was you who commanded them wasn't it? You forced our soldiers into obeying you and your worthless orders. You are a coward, Almasy. Men like you deserve to be spat on and buried alive. I will make sure that you won't get away with this. I—"
"If you two are just going to go at each other's throats then I don't see the purpose of this trial. Now let's get back to it, shall we? Stop wasting time", a feminine voice interrupted. Both men looked over to Quistis who stood up from her seat. Cid and Squall glanced at their companion. She looked tired and frustrated.
Anilor cleared his throat as he scowled. He didn't like being interrupted especially twice. He looked down at the documents in his hand as he tried to review his statements. He saw Headmaster Xavar nod his head for him to continue. "Mr. Almasy is charged with first degree murders to SeeD soldiers, Gariton Frank. Reason of death is electrocution. Trabian SeeD's Hawke Salamar and Laniko Quaz were beaten to death. Vargo Agal, a SeeD from Balamb was killed by physical torture. The rest reported were either killed in action from the Garden attacks or was never found. I will show you some tapes recorded during these accusations as it took place." With that he removed two video tapes from his folder and proceeded towards the television and video player. He crouched down as he pushed the tape into the video slot and pushed Play. He adjusted the television screen so the static looks clear. He opened up the video projector so the image can be viewed easier in the bigger projector.
Seifer looked away in agitation. This isn't going to be pretty, he thought bitterly. His eyes scanned the people in front of him. All look intent on the video head projector as they waited for the images to show. For a brief moment, Quistis eyes met his. He couldn't quite place what he saw in those clear sapphire jewels, but it wasn't hate or accusing. Instead it could may have been determination. He'd seen that expression many times as she lectured him when he's in trouble. And when she's bitching.
Her eyes turned back towards the projector. All eyes were glued to the projector as it revealed him in the Desert Prison standing before a young soldier. The uniform was of TrabiaGarden. Seifer very well remembered who that young man was. Hawke Salamar was a rising SeeD. A stubborn one and very determined it was a challenge which took days to get information out from him.
"Let's quit playing games, shall we? You can either make this easy for the both of us or harder. What is the real purpose of SeeD, Salamar?" he asked the Trabian soldier. The beaten man struggled to peer at him behind the hair that has fallen in his eyes. A stream of bright red blood obscured his vision from a blow at the forehead. Tight shackles held his wrists and ankles to the wall.
"Fuck you, lapdog! You'll be damned if I tell you anything", he retorted. His chest heaved. Pain was clearly expressed through his face.
Seifer chuckled. "After all this time you still haven't learnt anything. All you need to do is talk. Give me information. Maybe I'll spare your pathetic life". He narrowed his eyes. He pointed his Hyperion to his prisoner's chest. "Now start talking. The sorceress wants to know". He pressed the point of his gunblade in his chest.
"No! You're not going to get anything from me. You understand that? So just kill me and get it over with!" Salamar screamed. Seifer smirked. He pressed his weapon deeper in the young man's chest. Blood started oozing from his skin making a red circle in front of his uniform. Salamar stifled a painful groan. Seifer pressed deeper until he cried out in pain.
"Oh no. Killing you would be too easy. I'm not done with you yet. You chose to be this way. Playtime's not over yet".
The image of the Desert Prison disappeared and was replaced with static. The red rusty walls of the torture room vanished along with the two young men in it. Black and white dots appeared on the screen. Anilor pushed the Stop button from the video player and ejected the tape. He walked back towards the podium stand.
"Judging from those disturbing acts it is fair to say that Almasy is guilty of assault from our other fellow SeeDs. We all have witnessed him torturing our comrades. And may I add that he mentioned the sorceress making it quite clear that he is in an allegiance with her."
"Yes, you have brought up some interesting points. However, should we also look at other possible reasons for these actions? We know that Seifer is under command from Edea at the time. Edea at that time was under Ultimecia's spell. I have heard my wife speak of these powerful powers the sorceress has under her wing. It is indestructible. Irresistible. Hard to fight against. We should also look upon that Seifer was under possession of Ultimecia just as my wife was", Cid pointed out. All the other juries' eyes turned towards the Headmaster of Balamb.
"I doubt it, Mr. Cid Kramer. We did a background check with this murderer and the facts tell us that he is very capable of going against SeeD and rallying up an army for destruction. After all, he does have good reason to go against your organization, doesn't he? He failed his studies numerous times. According to the files, he was a troublemaker at best, has a problem with authority and never follows orders. I highly doubt that he is put under a spell to do those deeds. I firmly believe that he is guilty, plain and simple."
The word guilty echoed in his head. Seifer shut his eyes trying to block it off. Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. Its been nothing like that ever since that day. His own dreams leave a faint trail of guilt and pain every time he woke up. Like a fog clearing up but it's always there to come back. How much can a person take before he loses his mind? How much more can he hold until he breaks? Maybe he was already broken since the beginning. Guilt would haunt him forever.
"I know what you're trying to do, Headmaster Cid. Seifer was once like your own child isn't he? He lived in your orphanage. He lived here in Garden until he decided to be a traitor. And he saved one of your SeeDs today", he continued as his eyes landed on Quistis. He raised an eyebrow. "But that doesn't clear up his name and his sins. In fact I will show you another tape that will change your mind".
"I acknowledge Seifer's wrongdoings and that he shouldn't go unpunished for them. I also encourage that he has a fair chance to defend himself. It is a right that all Gardens enforce", Quistis replied giving an icy look towards Anilor.
"Oh, he will defend himself. I doubt if he can defend anything". He turned towards the video player to push the second tape he had.
Seifer resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Anilor is a wimp. It's as simple as that. He bet if it weren't for that podium stand in front of him he'd be less thrilled to stand up against him.
"Alright, listen up! Attack full force at the Garden. Don't hold anything back. Kill all SeeDs you can encounter. These are the sorceress's orders. I want both Gardens obliterated. Bring all bodies in the swamp, dead or alive. We'll have a feast burning all their bodies up!" Seifer head snapped towards the projector. That was him talking to the whole Galbadian army. His voice was strange to hear. He knows it's his own voice talking, but at the same time it felt like it wasn't him. He watched himself standing on a high platform in a sea of serious faces covered by helmets. All listened carefully at their knight weapons ready in hand. Just behind them he could just make out high powered motorcycles which they used to rampage the Garden. Seeing this once again brought back memories he'd rather forget. He grimaced.
"Sir Seifer. We had captured more SeeDs in the middle of their mission. They've been put into prison. What would you like to do with them, sir?" a soldier asked as he approached the blond knight.
Seifer paused for a moment thinking what to do. "Don't kill them yet. I'll have a good time playing with them. It seems none of the SeeDs would give any answers to us. Maybe if they'll see their homes being attacked they'll cooperate. It's a long process, but who said it couldn't be fun?" his eyes glittered dangerously.
"Yes, sir", the soldier answered. He gave a salute then walked off the screen.
The image changed rapidly in the blink of an eye. This time the scene showed chaos, massive destruction, panic and blood. Lots of blood. It seems the camera had caught the sight of Trabia being attacked.
"Somebody help me!"
"Please don't leave me here!"
"Where are you? Come on we gotta get outta here!"
"I can't find you!"
The screen was filled with running people all panicked that their Garden is being attacked by missiles. Bodies were lying on the floor hard to tell if they're unconscious or dead. One young man was lying on his back a puddle of dark blood spreading underneath his lifeless body. His neck twisted in an unnatural angle, students scurried over him to get away. One female cadet was sprawled on the ground clutching her leg which was badly broken, the bone protruding out of her skin. The look of pain on her face was unbearable. The glossy beige marble floor of the Garden was filling up quickly with falling injured bodies. The metal handrail that ran up the length of the quad was bent and destroyed by an attacked of a missile. The floor further up the screen was cracked and falling apart. In the midst of the crumbling marble floor was a missile, its tail sticking up from the huge impact.
"Cora, come on. Just hold on me and we'll get out of here", a male cadet said at his injured friend. Cora grimaced in pain as she tried to get up clutching her broken leg. Her helper took out a handkerchief from his pocket and tied it around her leg to support the broken bone to avoid further injuries. He wrapped an arm around her waist to support her weight on him. She gasped in pain. "Just a little more. We're almost there". The pair hobbled towards the emergency exit.
A deafening whistle exploded in the area. All stop and stared in horror as another wave of missiles approached the Garden. Students and staff ran in all directions trying to get away from the missile that would surely take Garden out soon. And their life. Suddenly a thunderous roar erupted destroying the vision of what was happening in TrabiaGarden. Maybe that's a good thing.
All was left in the tape was screams of the dying. Then silence.
The tape stopped its scenes still being replayed in the jury's heads. Anilor crouched down gripping the cabinet as he ejected the tape. He walked back to his podium. "This tape was discovered by TrabiaGarden's security. Amazing it had survived the attack. The first tape was found by Gromose Hiller, whom I had mentioned earlier. He was a former Galbadian soldier who was one of those that Almasy commanded. However he refused to take part in Almasy's SeeD hunt and found the tape in Galbadia's security room. He filed those reports against Mr. Almasy. Now, I would like to invite Headmistress Yamary of TrabiaGarden to report her findings against the accused".
Mrs. Yamary got up from her seat and approached the podium. A middle age lady with short curly brown hair and a plump figure, she looks more like a mother figure than a leader of authority. "Thank you, Mr. Anilor. I will talk about the attack of TrabiaGarden under Mr. Almasy's command".
Anilor returned back to his seat, a smug look on his face. Seifer narrowed his eyes at him, which made him give him a look of "I dare you" back.
"As we viewed from the evidence, one of our many rising SeeDs, Hawke Salamar was tortured mercilessly and most likely killed by Mr. Almasy. We lost our valuable soldier in Garden. Many lost friends, comrades and family. TrabiaGarden is the smallest educational military institution in Gaia. Our involvement only concerns important world issues. Otherwise we are a nation which kept to ourselves. Attacking our institution is a serious crime. I would like to ask Mr. Almasy what is his defense", the serious female leader questioned. She glanced at the ex-knight under her square rimmed glasses.
"I swore my allegiance with Sorceress Edea. Orders are orders and her wishes are my command". His voice cold like steel. Unfeeling.
Yamary raised a dark brow. "Is that right? Is that the only reason?"
He smirked. "I am trying to stay loyal on my side. Let me ask all of you. If any of you agreed to serve someone wouldn't you do anything to do your duty? It isn't about right or wrong. I have a duty to fulfill. I am a knight. I try to serve my purpose".
"You bastard! Everything you said is a lie. It is about right or wrong. So what? Edea ordered you to hunt and kill SeeDs. Just because she asked you to do that does that give you the right to kill innocent people? Destroy our homes? You are seriously fucked up, Almasy! I don't care whether you are a good fighter or not. I certainly don't care if you saved a life. It doesn't make up for your past crimes. I swear, I'll make sure that you go to prison!" Anilor cried out as he rose from his seat. His face is beat red from his outrage.
"I would have to agree with Commander Anilor. I have lived in TrabiaGarden practically all my life. I became a soldier there and a rank A SeeD. To see my home destroyed and my friends lose their lives by a single man…" Clider choked, speaking up for the first time. He took a deep breath to compose himself. "It is a terribly serious crime of what you did, Almasy. I have no choice but to agree to put you in a life sentence in jail".
"Wasn't Balamb attacked as well?" Yamary pressed. She looked over at the Balamb team to support the claims.
Squall gave a curt nod before replying. "Yes. Galbadian soldiers attacked our Garden. We had managed to avoid being hit by missiles because our Garden had the ability to fly. However we were attacked by foot soldiers inside. We managed to hold off in the end".
"However, we did not suffer like Trabia has. Yes, it seems like it is Seifer who is to blame for everything—"Cid started.
"And it should be!" Anilor interrupted. Seifer saw Quistis give him an icy look from her seat for interrupting Cid.
Cid coughed to resume attention back to him. "But let's not be one sided here. Yes, Seifer followed orders from Edea. Let us put Seifer at the side for a while and concentrate on the person who is truly behind this. Ultimecia."
Every single person was silent. The thought of the sinister sorceress always leave an unnerving feeling. She was cold and ruthless. She was slippery and untouchable. A sorceress from the future considered an enemy is quite overwhelming. She is after all, an enemy which couldn't be seen, communicated and studied by ordinary people. It is known that she only shows herself to people she wants to kill or in Seifer's case, someone who she can work with. Very little is known about the evil sorceress, therefore the butt of hatred and fear was pointed instead at her ex-knight.
Seifer's stony expression didn't leave his face. Things did not look good on his part. What did he expect? He was finally going to get what he deserves. After all, it is he who organized and ordered the SeeD hunt. It was he who tortured and interrogated the SeeDs captured. It was he who gave the word to attack Trabia and Balamb. He served the evil sorceresses whom SeeD's purpose is to defeat. What could he say? He was angry at the world. And at that time, he would have killed all of them. The five SeeDs and Rinoa. As he faced off against them he forgot who they were. All of them a faceless enemy that needed to be rid of. He was strongly urged by his desire. Strongly captivated by Ultimecia. And nothing mattered to him but to serve her with his life. Even if it means destroying his home. Even taking lives.
He almost didn't hear the door open softly amidst his own troubled thoughts. Her scent enveloped him as always, soft and womanly at the same time the cloud of enticement lingers. Her waist length ebony hair swayed as she walked gracefully in front of the jury. Her dark eyes surveyed the people before her and finally landing lastly on Seifer. Her ex-knight.
"This trial is nothing more than a chance to point fingers and blame someone you can. Seifer Almasy became a pawn under Ultimecia's game. It was a lose-lose situation which resistance is futile. I as much as Seifer goes into account of all the wickedness that happened at that time".
Every single person was silent, eyes locked at Edea as she stood before them next to Seifer. Now he didn't expect this. She was still the same as the last time he remembered her. Ageless. Beautiful. The only mother he had ever known. She was always there in times of turmoil. Even now, after all he has done she is still protecting him. He winced.
Nothing on earth can protect him. He's on his own. Something between Matron and him has changed. There was too much history, too much pain that happened. Seifer was sure that even time won't be able to heal the wounds he created. He cannot look at her the same way anymore. She was a mother, protector, provider, nurturer and supporter to him. On the other hand she had also been his mistress, his leader…his queen.
"If the decision for Seifer to be put in life sentence, then I might as well join him. I am as much guilty as he is. I was a sorceress. I used my own powers for evil purposes. Why am I allowed to live free, while he is punished?" she challenged. She mostly pinpointed her argument towards the Galbadian team. With one slender arm she pointed towards them. "What will the world council do if they let a former sorceress go free, while they put to death a former knight?"
No one uttered a sound from the surprised looking group. Quistis turned towards their direction expecting to see if Anilor has any comeback. Apparently all he can do is stare back.
Seifer resisted the urge to smirk. He bet that Anilor is trying to think of a smart comeback as to how guilty he is and how inhumane he can be beyond words can express. Pathetic little shit. He's a bug which he'd love to step on.
"I wasn't judged before anyone. I was welcomed here at home with open arms. Everyone accepted my situation. Now why cannot you do so with Seifer? I was allowed to live back in Garden and my orphanage. Despite my sorceress history. Why are you treating Seifer like he is all to blame?" she continued.
"Look ma'am. Are you very much aware that it is he who is responsible for thousands of deaths in the world? He is a maniac for Hyne's sake! And worse of all he enjoyed every minute of it. That sick son of a bitch deserves nothing but shit! Remember the people want justice. It is only right that we make the world a better place by getting rid of him." Anilor cried out as he stood from his seat. Xavar put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.
"I don't accept your stupidity. If that is the case then I will join him. I will not stand to see one of my children die while I am allowed to roam free from my deeds." Edea looked cool, voice steady and firm and posture never hindering. She never broke eye contact her eyes solemn and set.
"I would analyze that most people would want to see Seifer dead because it is he who acted upon the hunt and tortures. He has to pay for what he has done" Kree said calmly speaking up for the first time.
"Let's not forget something important too. The council has dismissed Edea from the whole mess. She was never punished nor shunned by people. It is as if she was never a sorceress. We let her go. Wouldn't that be unfair for Seifer? I'm just considering other points here" Clider pointed out.
Cid stood up from his place and joined his wife. "My wife was also under Ultimecia's spell. Evidence from psychiatric, psychological and magical reports claim that she was controlled at the time. We should gather more evidence from Seifer if he really is guilty or not".
"Yes. It would seem inappropriate if we just let Edea go judging from those reports that she wasn't guilty of anything, while we just go ahead and condemn Almasy. I would at least like to know from examination if he is controlled or not." Drake said.
Quistis also stood up. "As you all know when Edea came back here at Garden we knew she would never purposely do those horrible things. However thanks to the advance technology equipment at Esthar we scanned her brain for any mind control advance magic done to her. Mind control is new and no other individual can do it unless you are a sorceress. Mind control magic is invisible with tiny micro particles settles itself between the cracks of the brain forcing the individual to follow the magic wielder's desires. Those micro particles were found inside Edea's brain showing that she is a victim of mind control. Therefore she is not guilty of any wrongdoings. We will have to do the same with Seifer to see if he is guilty or not guilty."
" But—" Anilor started.
"That is quite enough, Commander Anilor. We have to give Seifer the same chance to prove himself just like with my wife. We shall see first before any judgment can be made. We cannot violate the standard procedures of the world council. And he has a right to defend himself." Cid said sternly. He pushed his glasses up back the bridge of his nose.
"Yes. I think it is a good idea to get Mr. Almasy analyzed first. We might be able to find useful information about that kind of advance magic in our world." Headmistress Yamary concluded.
"And what if he is guilty? I'll say we should put him into justice now and get it over with than prolonging this issue." Anilor said, annoyed. He looked as if he's going to burst any minute now.
"And what if he isn't? If we condemn him now without proper physical and mental proofs we will be murdering an innocent person here. We must provide some evidence of his mental state. Otherwise if you have a better suggestion then say it," Quistis answered back.
Anilor remained quiet. He knew he won't be able to win this one. He glared at the desk in front of him.
Ha. Put you in your place, Seifer thought smugly the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
"I suggest that we all conjure up another meeting until all tests and examinations are done. Until then the Balamb team will make sure to keep Seifer here until further notice. Any questions?" Cid looked around the room. "Ok then. This meeting is now adjourned."
Seifer stood up from his seat. Pushing his chair back in its place he proceeded towards the door. I'm outta here, he thought icily. He could feel his muscles pop from taking a break from sitting in this chair for hours.
"Seifer", Edea said softly he could barely hear it. He hesitated but just a fraction and continued.
"Seifer would you please meet us in my office in a few minutes? I would like to inform you of what's to happen to you and your friends next", Cid called out behind him. They only witnessed a mere nod before his form disappeared behind the wooden double doors.
Seifer knew he is off again to fight a losing battle. Does he honestly think that they will let him go that easily? Everyone wants someone to blame. This time he knew he won't be able to escape it. He sighed. Oh well back to this shithole I've been digging since the day I came to this earth, he thought. It did occur to him that he never left hell from the beginning.
Flash.
He opened his eyes again at the sound of the door opening. He looked up to see the headmaster, Squall and surprisingly Quistis.
"Seifer. I trust to see you here to find out what's to happen next. Take a seat, Squall and Quistis" Cid gestured towards the seats at the table where Seifer was sitting.
"I think I pretty much know what's gonna happen to me. I'll get proved wrong or if there is a reason whatsoever that those examinations show I'm innocent someone will always see a way out that will end my ass dead. That is my prediction" he answered back. He couldn't help the sarcasm in his voice.
"It really depends, Seifer. For the time being while we are conducting those tests you are to remain here within the boundaries of Balamb Garden to make sure of your safety." Quistis replied. He snorted.
"Safety? Here in Garden? Consider me lucky, instructor if I don't get my ass kicked if I strolled down the halls. If those Galbadian officials don't get to me, I'm sure the whole fucking student body will" his eyes flashed as he glared at her.
"Seifer, please. Either you make this easy or not. Would you prefer the outside world?" Cid reasoned with him. After all this time the kid still bites like a snake.
"He's right. Besides, we can't let you go. You served the sorceress and that is a serious crime according to the SeeD jurisdiction" Squall said coldly.
Oh great, he thought. Commander Puberty actually cares about rules now besides himself. That's the first two whole sentences I've ever heard him say.
They were all engrossed in debating they didn't even hear the door opening. "Seifer, stay. We need to set this straight once and for all. You are still one of my children. Don't run away" Matron pleaded. All eyes turned towards her.
He remained silent. A million scenes played in his head. How he can leave Garden and continue with his life on the run. Scenes back here in Garden and the reaction of the whole student body. Scenes of the kind of tests he'll be forced to take. He gritted his teeth. What the hell was he to do? He closed his eyes again and opened his mouth to answer.
"Fine. I'll do these tests you all want me to take." he said in a low voice. And most likely be put to death in the end anyway, he added in his mind.
"Thank you, Seifer. I will arrange you a dorm to sleep in, some spare clothes for you and get the paper work started." Cid said relieved. He turned to Quistis. "Quistis, would you be able to get some appointments ready as soon as possible and contact the Garden equipment administrator to inform of Seifer's stay here?"
She nodded. She didn't particularly like to take care of Seifer, but he did save her life. Also Matron had specifically asked her if she can take care of him after he left the court room.
Meanwhile, the single orb floating discreetly hovering over the whole scene. It exploded silently, little particles of crystallized powder scattered over the room. Unseeing from the eyes it landed over the SeeDs and the ex-knight.
This is the beginning. No one had any idea that the events that will occur over the past few months will once again change their lives and fate.
Author's Note:
Wolf of Light: Thanks for always reviewing my story. And to let you know that I won't disappoint you with what's to happen with Seifer!
Seventhe: Wow, I didn't really expect to get a review from you. Thanks for giving me great tips and advices. I hope to be a better writer from them. And I hope my italics will show now. Thanks again, you made my day!