DISCLAIMER: Final Fantasy VIII belongs to Squaresoft/Enix. Only the story plot and extra characters belong to me.
CHAPTER 8: The Meeting
Quistis sighed as she put her pen down. It's now midnight and finding herself not being able to sleep again she decided to write on her journal. She stared down at her words, the elegant cursive writing becoming a black blur as the thoughts in her mind came back. She shifted on her bed, lilac colored sheets covered her waist down, the pen she was using rolled in the middle of her journal.
Matron's voice echoed in her head.
Flash.
The trial hearing has just been finished. Seifer already left the room. One by one the Garden council piled out, the Trabian team the first to go. Anilor picked up his briefcase casting a hateful glare at towards the Balamb team as he passed him walking towards the door. Squall stood up and without a word left the room.
"I guess I should get back up at my office to handle appointments for Seifer now. I'll see you later, hon." Cid gave a quick peck to Edea before following Squall. Quistis slowly approached her.
"Seifer. I never would have thought…" her voice trailed off. Matron nodded. She too knows what Quistis is feeling right now.
"He has his own battles to fight for now. Even we won't be able to help him unless he will be willing to let us. As much as I have to admit what he did was terribly wrong, I wouldn't want to see him put to death. He is one of my children" Edea quietly spoke her bright amber eyes filling up with tears. Quistis put an arm around her.
"Quistis. I know this is asking a lot. But, would you be able to make sure that Seifer has a fair trial? Make sure he gets those tests. And…would you also be able to take care of him for me?" Matron's voice tried to hide away all her pain. However, Quistis wasn't fooled. Her request actually surprised her. She could probably arrange his tests for him. It's no problem for someone like her. But to take care of him? That was a foreign idea. No one had ever taken care of him except for Matron and himself. He either pushed people away before they get a chance to get close to him. The idea gave her an uneasy troubled feeling.
"Matron, I…" she hesitated. She was about to suggest that she wasn't the best person to do the job. Maybe Squall or someone else can do it. Seifer was a handful and she wasn't exactly thrilled about looking out for him.
"I do not know who else to ask. You are the only person I know who can handle him at best. You were his former instructor. And no one knows him better than you do. I'm sorry to put this all on you. But looking at it from now you're all I've got to make sure that everything goes right. Please, Quistis" Matron continued as she clasped her hands together.
How could she say no? How can she refuse Matron, the only mother she knew her whole life that took care of her and other children too? All her life she had never asked her anything, but this. It felt wrong to say no just because of her personal feelings to get in the way. And doesn't she owe Seifer in a way too? She knew what she has to do.
"Sure. I'll do it" she answered. The words escaped her mouth before she knew what was happening.
Matron gave a relieved smile. "Thank you. I knew I can count on you."
Flash.
She blinked. She realized she was still staring at the pages of her opened journal. She picked up her elegant black fountain pen and put it on her bedside table. She flipped her journal closed, the violet paperback cover greeting her. On the cover was a picture of jasmine flowers. She smiled as she remembered Xu giving this to her as a birthday present. She turned and placed it on the beside table beside her pen and doing so she glanced at her clock which read 2:45am. Sighing once again she pulled her covers up her chin and reached to turn off her lamp.
She's no psychic, but she had a feeling that a big day was coming tomorrow.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
She cracked an eye open. With her vision still hazy she reached with a hand towards her alarm clock and pushed off the alarm button. Sitting up, Selphie groggily rubbed the sleep off her eyes. She glanced at her clock and saw that it is 6:00am in the morning. Yawning she kicked her fluffy yellow covers off and saw that her answering machine is blinking on and off with a green light. Frowning she pushed the play button to hear the message.
"SeeD Tilmitt, please report to the Headmaster's office at 7:00am. This meeting is urgent."
She stood for a minute wondering what could have been so important at this early hour. The previous events raced through her mind and she remembered Seifer. That's it! That's what's probably going on. The Garden officials probably reached to a conclusion now and wanted the SeeD soldiers to know first. Not wanting to waste anymore time thinking about one thing, she grabbed her white towel with stars decorated in it and proceeded towards her bathroom. Known for being a morning person, she liked to start off her day refreshed and clean.
After her warm shower, she changed her pyjamas into her SeeD uniform. Whatever the urgent meeting is probably is a formal one. She approached her tiny vanity and grabbed her brush stroking her hair a few times before checking to see her reflection one last time. She gave a bright smile. She's all set. She left her dorm and headed towards Cid's office with ten minutes to spare.
When she arrived there she saw Quistis already seated in her uniform all pressed and tidy. Zell sat beside her and as usual, looked like he could fall asleep any second. He too was wearing his uniform, but unlike the others it was rumpled. She shook her head. He needs his mother to live with him at Garden. Smiling she took a seat beside him and greeted him cheerfully.
"Morning, sleepy head! How many hours did you get to sleep last night, Zell? You looked like you're gonna fall any minute".
"Wha—? I'm awake! What did I miss?" he said startled waking up from what looked like the beginning of a well missed nap. Both Selphie and Quistis shook their heads and laughed.
The door opened and in walked Irvine dressed in a tan colored muscle shirt and baggy black pants. His hair was tied back in its usual fashion, but a little messy and tangled. He took a seat at Quistis's other side and then propped his booted feet up the table.
"Why aren't you wearing your uniform? This is a formal meeting, Irvine" Quistis said a parental tone in voice lingers.
"Oh, uhhh…I still haven't washed them yet from my last mission. Can't let the ladies see me all dirty." the cowboy replied waving a hand. Zell turned his attention to him and snorted.
"See? And you guys think I'm terrible at doing my laundry. Guess someone else here needs a mother" he retorted expressing a laugh from the others. The door opened and in walked Squall in his uniform with Rinoa.
"Good morning, guys" she greeted. Both she and Squall took a seat beside Selphie. A chorus of greetings was replied back. "Is everyone here now?"
"Now they are".
All eyes turned towards the voice. Seifer stood there in a plain white shirt and dark brown pants. His hair messy and tangled. He smirked.
"What are you doing here? Haven't they decided to fry your ass, you ass!" Zell exclaimed as he rose from his seat. Now the martial artist looks fully awake. Selphie grabbed his wrist to calm him down.
"This is what the meeting is about. We are here to know what is to happen with Seifer. Matron also wants to talk to us about something too. Calm down, Zell" Quistis reasoned. Somehow her voice always gets through people and Zell sat back down. He still wore a scowl on his face.
"Cid and Matron should be here soon" Squall spoke. As on cue, both couple entered the room.
"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming again in this important meeting. Sorry to disturb you sleep, but you all needed to know what we are about to tell you." Cid spoke his voice even and firm. "Seifer, you may take a seat."
With the smirk never leaving his face he took a seat next to Rinoa.
"Ok. Let's get started. First of all, we are to tell you what will happen with Seifer. There are a lot of issues to point out, but let me get straight to the point. Seifer is to remain here in Balamb Garden while we conduct examinations physically and mentally as proof against his allegations. We are to give him a fair trial just as Edea has been given hers. As you know mind control is a powerful magic and only sorceresses has the abilities to use it. However, if a person is a victim of mind control then we can assume that he or she is not guilty of their actions caused at the time they are victims of it. Now Edea has been found not guilty. As for Seifer we are to do the same to find out if he has the same fate or not. Does everyone understand what I've said?" Cid surveyed each person. Everyone gave a slight nod except for Zell whose scowl deepened.
"Tch. Fine. How are we gonna do those tests? We don't have the advance equipment here in Garden." he asked. He folded his arms. He can't do anything with the decision of the officials, but that still doesn't mean he's excited to have Seifer back.
"I'll be taking care of those. We will have to make appointments in Esthar with Dr Odine. Only they have the advance technology and equipment to perform those tests." Quistis answered. She saw Seifer gave her a smirk.
"So. I guess I got me a babysitter" he said. She raised an eyebrow and kept her cool expression.
"You know, Seifer you'd better learn to be grateful. I can always leave your pathetic self to rot in hell." She replied. I can push you too, she fumed silently. She saw Irvine raise an eyebrow at her. She's usually cool, calm and collected but when the time needs to, she knows how to defend herself.
Selphie fidgeted in her seat. She hasn't forgotten what Seifer did with her former Garden. It was a traumatic experience and she lost a few friends. She lost her old home too. She glanced at the former knight. Does she hate him? She knew she'd be lying if she said no. He did a lot of terrible things, unspeakable even now. Anger and hatred still lingers in her heart. However, she also remembered how he rescued Quistis from drowning. While she still harbors hard feelings for him, she's also thankful that he saved her friend. She continued to fidget, twirling her thumbs or clasping and unclasping her hands. She played with a loose thread at the hem of her skirt. Zell seemed to notice her unusual fidgeting; she only does this when she's really nervous. He leaned towards her.
"Psst. You okay? Seems like something's bothering ya" he whispered, light green eyes showing concern. He tilted his head and studied her. She snapped out of her thoughts and turned to him.
"Oh! Sorry. Yeah, just been thinking what's gonna happen next. You just dunno what to expect." she replied quickly. She and Zell are pretty good friends and she can pretty much tell him anything, but now is not the time to elaborate. Zell nodded.
"Yeah. I can't believe Seifer's back. That dumbass! He's probably gonna terrorize the whole student body again" he whispered fiercely rolling his eyes. Selphie glanced back again towards Seifer hopeful that he didn't hear Zell's comment. The last thing they want is another fist fight with those two.
However, he seemed to be busy with what's to retort back to Quistis. "Touché. You can use a little of your advice as well, Trepe. Is this how you always treat someone who saved you?"
Cid cleared his throat loudly. "Let's get back at hand, shall we? Now, Seifer will be staying here. I have issued him a dorm in the cadet's quarters and he has his own scheduled lunch and breaks. We cannot let you eat with the students I'm afraid. There would be fights and scandals to arise with your presence at this moment. You will also have your own time if you want to use the Training Centre, Library and the Gym" he said as he addressed Seifer.
"Great. Now my life on the run has turned into a whole scheduled timetable. This just gets better and better each time" he replied scowling. He's getting pissed. They dragged his ass back in Garden only to boss him when to eat, train or whatever. "Are my toilet trips scheduled too?"
"Hey! You're lucky we're trying to give you a second chance, asshole. We're doing this for you! At least appreciate it or shut up" Zell growled. He narrowed his eyes at him. He's really getting on his nerves.
Seifer smirked at the other blond. "My, my. Still an annoying chicken wuss, aren't we? Some things never change." He shook his head mockingly which irritated Zell more.
"Please stop. We don't have time for childish arguments here. Now isn't there something else you want to tell us, Matron?" Rinoa piped up. She was getting sick of all these quarrels. She's pretty sure that Seifer and Zell never live peacefully in the same room.
"Yes. Thanks for reminding me. I want to warn you all about something important. It's about Ultimecia" Edea said solemnly looking at each and everyone's faces. Each one in turn focused their attention towards her. Even Seifer and Zell forgot about their own spat and turned serious. "I'm afraid you're all in danger. Let me clarify. You see, there is never really a way to beat the sorceress."
"What are you trying to say, Matron?" Squall asked. Even he looked so serious he's not even blinking. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He felt Rinoa reached for his hand underneath the table.
"We sorceresses have a final gift. A kind of curse. Whoever is responsible for ending our lives receives a little gift from the sorceress. It's called The Final Gift. I know this because when Ultimecia passed on her powers to me, I saw her evil within her. Before her true form died and left our world, somehow she released the last of her energy and stored it inside an orb. The orb will track down whoever is involved with her downfall and…" her voice trailed off. She swallowed hard. She couldn't say it. She couldn't bear the thought of it. Cid put an arm around her.
"Omigosh. She's gonna kill us one by one, isn't she? She's playing with us, with our greatest fears. I know this because I've been seeing images in my sleep. Disturbing ones. I saw you guys." Selphie cried out. She swallowed back tears. "I saw how you guys each died in my nightmares. And worse of all I think it happened to Quistis. Only Seifer was there to interject."
Everyone turned towards Quistis whose near fatal drowning nearly took her life. Even she looked shocked at his sudden news. "So I was supposed to be the first one to go. But, why?" she couldn't figure it out. She felt Irvine slip an arm around her shoulders and gave her a comforting hug.
"What did you see, Selphie? Tell me what happened" Edea's voice sounded urgent.
Selphie sniffed. "I only saw short images. Umm, I saw Squall his face mangled and ripped off. Irvine impaled. Zell crushed underneath pillars. Quistis drowning. And lastly, Seifer. He was burning in flames." Tears rolled down her cheeks. She hated crying in public, but this time she couldn't stop the flow. She took a deep breath.
"I had a vision too. But this time it's my parents. I saw Ma and Pa running. I don't know where, but they looked terrified. Then suddenly our house is burning with them inside it. They were screaming for help, but I couldn't do anything! I felt so helpless. It was a horrifying nightmare" Zell said, pain in his voice. For a minute everyone stared with one another, horrified looks on their faces as they tried to contemplate what's to happen.
"Good Hyne. What's to happen next?" Cid whispered.
"She's playing with you and you fears. Don't give in. She's trying to destroy you all. Her last revenge. Pay attention closely to your dreams. I guess she's already planned on how to end your lives according to Selphie's dreams. Quistis is lucky she managed to escape it. However that doesn't mean she's forgotten about it. She'll think of another way to get back at you. Be careful." Edea answered. She closed her eyes. The worst things are happening to them. It has already begun. "It's not too late. You have to outwit her. Outsmart her tricks. Don't fall for anything fishy."
"What about me? Am I included in her act of revenge too?" Rinoa wondered. She looked worriedly at the others. She felt Squall squeeze her hand.
"Somehow I don't think so. You are after all a sorceress now. Ultimecia's powers aren't strong enough to kill you. I'm sure that this only involves the children from the orphanage. They are linked by a strong bond. I am not surprised that Seifer's journey led him back here with us. She led your life to work out this way." She replied.
The Final Gift. Hyne…" Irvine whispered. He couldn't believe this. They worked so hard to defeat her only to be under her mercy in the end. Anger welled up inside him.
"This is shit! This can't be! Are you meaning to say that a dead sorceress is gonna kill us? That's impossible!" Seifer exploded slamming a fist in the wooden table. It annoyed him to hell that it's not over yet. It terrified him. It terrified him to know that she's still out there, not really alive but not completely dead. She's still into them. It's not over yet.
"What should we do, Matron? I mean, she could strike any minute now on anyone, anytime. We all just found out recently that each one of us has been having visions or hearing her voice in our sleep. Usually, she'll sound of some threat about us, that something horrible is gonna happen. We ignored it at first, but it still kept on happening. Now that Quisty nearly drowned well…it's just so freaky!" Selphie burst out. She bit her lip to stop it from trembling.
"Has these nightmares been happening to you, Seifer or are they just within the others?" Edea asked.
"Yeah. Been seeing her lately." came the reply.
"It's just common sense. Zell avoid anywhere with pillars. Irvine stay away from sharp objects that could impale you. Seifer, better put off fire casting for now. Quistis, watch out for anything uncommon. I should probably keep my guard up for anything that can tear me to pieces" Squall said directly. He's always known to get straight to the point.
"Yes. I suggest that's a good idea. You should also look out for one another. Always let someone know where you are and if in doubt, stay out. If anything out of ordinary occurs report it immediately to me and Edea. Any more contributions?" Cid asked. Selphie raised her hand.
"Well, ummm. How about if we install alarms in our dorms? So if anything bad happens we can alert the others." she said.
"That's not a bad idea. I'll see if Xu can negotiate those alarms with the electronic devices department." Cid replied. "Does anyone else want to say anything?" He took the silence as a no. "Alright then. Thanks again for coming to this meeting. You are all dismissed. Remember to be careful."
One by one they all stood up and piled out of the office. Selphie pushed her chair back and proceeded towards the door. She glanced back to see Zell approached both Cid and Edea. She wondered what's going on with him, but knew it's none of her business at the moment. She turned back and exited the office.
She decided to head towards the SeeD roster to see if she's been assigned to any missions. Searching through the lists of names she ran her index finger until she found her name. Nothing was written beside it. Sighing she stopped over her file cabinet with her name printed in block letters at the top. Gripping the handle she pulled it out to check her files. Flipping through the papers nothing new was filed except the records of her previous missions, her SeeD ranks, salary position and raises. Flipping her folder closed she put it back and then jammed the cabinet shut.
Oh well. No missions to keep her occupied for now. At least she can concentrate on the Garden Festival. Anything but her nightmares. Just thinking about it gave her the heebee jeebees. She shuddered. Deciding that nothing useful can come of it by standing there getting creeped out she headed towards the library to find out more about this curse upon them.
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