'Par Un Sourire (By One Smile)
Bonjour Tristesse' (Hello Sadness)
La Vie Immédiate. P Éluad.
Final Fantasy Eight
BY ONE SMILE
JetNoir
EPILOGUE
"I will show you fear in a handful of dust"
The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot
"Hyne!"
This was the singular word uttered by Selphie Tilmitt at the conclusion of Irvine Kinneas' story.
"That was the story of a lost city, Selphie," Irvine said softly, crouching until his sad eyes met hers, "that was my nightmare, that was the life that I have lead a hundred time, every single night! I feel if I am slowly going insane. Ultimecia's death…sometimes I wonder if that was the end for me. I only wanted happily ever after…is that too much to ask."
"Have you told anyone?" asked Selphie.
"Just Dr Kadowaki…but it's not as if she can deal with nightmares. What's it going to take?" Irvine shook his head, "I just don't know. Hard times are ahead…I feel it, deep in my heart, deep in my soul."
Irvine sighed heavily, and reached down to help Selphie to her feet. She brushed sand off her clothes, and on impulse, hugged him fiercely. Looking up at him she smiled:
"It's okay Irvy. I'll help you…and however corny this might sound…that's what friends are for." Irvine smiled slightly, and hugged her back.
"Thanks Selphie," he said, "thankyou."
Together, they turned and walked slowly towards Balamb Garden, arms intertwined, supporting each other, as only friends could.
A whole day had passed in the telling of Irvine's story, and behind them, the sun was slowly setting, falling and tumbling helplessly into the hungry sea. But it was not the end.
Dust and sand trailed in their wake as fear awakened in the hearts of thousands…and somewhere in the distance, dark clouds began to gather...
To Be Continued
Note: Wow…finished! This has been a pretty dark story to write, but it's been fun. Part two of the trilogy (of which I can't think of a good name for!) will be coming along shortly. Hope you enjoyed it, and please review.
Disclaimer: All the characters are copyright to Square Enix; and the story to me. This story has been written on the understanding that you may read it and print it out; but you may not pass it off as your own, hire it out, or sell it for money. You also may not put it on your own or any other web page without my express written permission. Thankyou!
JetNoir
