Selphie Kinneas
Roses
The Sniper's Rose
Chapter Eight- The Balmab Garden Festival
Two weeks later
"How does this look?" Quistis asked. Rinoa, her, and Selphie were in the Balamb mall finding gowns for the school festival. Quistis, even though she was an instructor, was going with her boyfriend Seifer. Rinoa, after slapping Squall silly, was asked to go as well. Selphie, well we all know her story. Rinoa gazed over to the glimmering dress.
It was an eye-catching shade of violet with a long silky skirt the moved easily as you walked. The sleeves were dark purple veil with triangular cuffs on the back of her palms.
"It looks really goood on ya Quisty!" Selphie winked. Rinoa nodded in agreement,
"Sure does." Quistis smiled as she swayed the dress around.
"I like it, I'm going to get this one." She declared as she headed back into the dressing room. Rinoa sat calmly on a chair examining a long emerald colored dress. Rinoa clicked her tongue in disappointment.
"Not this one…" She mumbled. Selphie rolled her eyes. That's the fiftieth one. She carefully gripped a hanger with a long ruby red dress with golden glittering sequins scattered around randomly. The bottom had two layers of cloth which both moved with the slightest wind. One layer was a silky yellow satin piece and the other was the regular ruby material. The straps were thin and barley noticeable.
"I like this one!" Selphie chirped cheerfully. Rinoa raised her head and grimaced.
"Go try it on!" Selphie nodded quickly as she rushed into an extra dressing room. Quistis walked out with her dress neatly hung on its hanger. A minute later Selphie exited the dressing room with the red gown on. The bodice fit around her perfectly. Rinoa clapped with Quistis.
"Congratulations, you have selected a dress." Quistis joked. Selphie gently walked to a mirror as she twirled around in front of it.
"Do you think Irvine will like it?" She asked softly.
"If he likes you, he'll love it." Rinoa yawned. Quistis shrugged. She pulled her sleeve away from her wrist as she examined the time.
"We'd better get back to Garden." She suggested. Selphie Headed back to the dressing room.
"You're probably right Quisty, you're the punctual type." Rinoa pulled a dress from a clothes rack. It was concealed a large blue zipper sheet. Rinoa raised her eyebrows as she gazed around it.
"You need to take the sheet off Rinoa." Quistis said slowly. Rinoa threw a fake grin,
"I know Quistis, thanks." She hissed. Selphie, now dressed in her original clothes, went to the counter to pay. Her SeeD pay was low, for she hadn't went on any missions yet, but by saving over the month she was able to get the gown of her choice. Rinoa followed, with the unknown dress. Five minutes later the three were on the bustling street of the Balamb marketplace.
"All male SeeDs and faculty attending the Balamb festival are compulsory to wear their SeeD ball uniform, regular students are to wear their formal uniform. Lady student, SeeDs, and faculty are permitted to wear a gown of their choice."
Zell crumpled the festival flyer as he built a paper airplane out of it. Irvine whistled his boredom across from him.
"At least he don't have to go rent some dumb tux." Zell mumbled positively. Irvine shrugged.
"Are you even going?"
"Course', with Amy." Zell replied with a smirk. Irvine The afternoon air blew coolly through the open window. Irvine squinted his eyes. The sun's rays flashed straight into his pupil. His eyes gave a sharp pain of fire zooming through his head. He blinked quickly and hastily as he tumbled off his chair.
Damn, when did I become so clumsy? Irvine laid still on the floor, his eyes didn't shut. His mouth was barley opened.
"Irvine?" someone called in the distance. Irvine spun around quickly. He was in the Centra Ruin and it was pouring hard with rain. "Irvine!" The voice called again. Irvine turned his head downwards. A small thin trail of blood led him a yard further to a caped person lying unconsciously on the ground. Irvine crouched close to the figure.
"Franit?" He gasped in awe. He slowly grabbed her arm. Her head moved as it raised. Under the hood was a painful face with scars and bloodshed. It wasn't Lavender, it was Selphie.
"How could you Irvine?" She whispered. Her voice was light as it echoed around him.
"Selphie, what happened?"
"You killed me Irvine, with pain………"
"This is how Franit died, why are you here??"
"You weren't there for her, it's your fault she died."
"And I'm going to cause your death too?"
"You already have." Selphie's eyes closed as she fell to the ground. Irvine stood dumbstruck.
"Irvine! Irvine! Snap out of it man!" Zell stood over Irvine as he slapped his cheeks continuously. Irvine blinked several times.
"What happened?" He moaned.
"You fell on he floor, and you were as still as a rock, cold as one too." Irvine shook his head as he scrambled to his feet.
"Sorry if I freaked you out." He rushed out the door without another word. Zell bobbed his head.
"I bet he's going to the infirmary." He said assumingly.
Irvine stood in front of dorm 348. What I'm a going to say? I had a dream that you were the first comrade who I saw die? Hell no, I'll just keep this to myself. He turned on his heels as began to walk out of the dormitory hall. Selphie walked over from the distance, cutting his walk short. With her were Quistis and Rinoa. All of them were holding a covered gown on a hanger. Selphie smiled tenderly as she eyed Irvine.
"Hey Irvy!" She called as she quickened in pace. Irvine smiled weakly as he held out his arms. Selphie fell into them gracefully. Rinoa waved her hand at Irvine.
"Hey there Irvine." She greeted. Quistis bowed her head shortly.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Davinsen." She laughed. Irvine sneered.
"It's Irv…" He started.
"Hey Irvine, a lot of us are meeting each other at the quad to dust off our dancing skills. Want to come?" Rinoa interrupted. Irvine looked away from Quistis and gazed at Selphie, whose eyes were pleading him to say yes.
"Uh, sure why not?" He answered bluntly. Selphie smirked.
"GREAT! Okay, both of you meet us at the quad hall after dinner tonight. Don't forget and try to finish quickly. Seeya!" Rinoa quickly disappeared into her dorm along with Quistis. Selphie shrugged.
"Well, I guess I'll meet ya for dinner." She quickly gave a Irvine a small kiss on the cheek and made her way into the dorm.
At dinner
Irvine accompanied Selphie at a small table in the corner of the lunchroom. Both of them were quietly eating their dinner special, spaghetti. Zell wasn't enjoying very much, but the guy thrived on hotdogs. Selphie gazed at Irvine face. It was slightly disturbed.
"What's wrong?" She asked abruptly. Irvine, who was daydreaming at the moment, shook his head and tried to fit his scrambled thoughts together.
"N-nothing." He replied. Selphie raised her eyebrow.
"C'mon, I wasn't born yesterday. Tell me what's wrong." She insisted. Irvine bit his lip while widening his eyes.
"Well………remember our first date?"
"How can I forget it?"
"Okay…do you remember being tripped in the ocean while we were dancin?"
"Course'."
"That wasn't done purposely."
"What?" Selphie spread an awkward look across her face. Irvine moaned as he raised his neck.
"I can't dance Selphie! Our date was the first time!" He hissed. Selphie sat still for a moment.
"………really?" She asked. Irvine nodded.
"Why would I joke about that?"
"I dunno." Selphie lifted her tray as she stood, "Don't worry, we'll all work with you. Hurry we're going to be late!" Irvine sighed as he followed.
In the quad, there was Rinoa with Squall, Quistis with Seifer, and Amy with Zell. Rinoa held a small thin CD over her head.
"There ya'll are!" She exclaimed. Irvine shrugged,
"Dinner isn't even over." He replied. Rinoa bit the inside of her cheek. Squall snatched her CD and rushed over to a CD player.
"Okay, let's just get started. In every Balamb festival, Headmaster Cid and his wife Edea always start the traditional Balamb dances. Since we have two weeks, and four dances to learn, we'll spend three days learning each of them. Let's hurry on or we won't get anywhere tonight." Squall played a festive music. Everyone, except Irvine and Selphie, began a dull type dance. Rinoa spotted their trouble and left Squall and quickly grabbed Irvine's hand and started to show him the routine. Squall offered and helped Selphie. Thirty minutes later everyone was dancing with the rightful partner, here and there someone would fall over causing most everyone to tumble down with him or her.
So for the following weeks, everyone practiced the dances. And everyone perfected it, and yes, even Irvine. It was soon the night of the festival. Most all the girls in Balmab were busily preparing themselves. Rinoa, being a general's daughter, was very used to these types of occasions. For that she had all the accessories a lady could imagine.
Selphie, dressed in the ruby colored gown, straightened her tangled brown hair. After she was dressed she wore a glimmering garnet necklace with a small rose pendent and long drop earrings. She carefully slipped on a red heeled-sandal. The finish her suit of, she wore glimmering hair clips to keep her bangs out of her eyes. Rinoa knocked on her door softly.
"Selphie, are you ready yet?" She asked. Selphie checked at the mirror one last time to make sure she hadn't any blemishes on her face.
"Yeah." She replied as she opened her door. Selphie gasped as she gazed at Rinoa's gown. It was a long turquoise tube dress with small zircon buttons in the back holding two thin pieces of flowing blue veil. Rinoa's hair was pined into a French braid with the strands of hair lying on her forehead. Shiny zircon teardrop earrings shook gently as she moved her head. Long white silk gloves, which reached her elbows, were placed on her arms. Selphie exited her room. As Rinoa and her made their way towards the door, someone knocked. Rinoa shrugged as she opened it.
Selphie eyed the two gentlemen in the doorway. Both wearing a formal SeeD uniform was Squall and Irvine.
"Good evening ladies." Squall smiled as he felt Rinoa's gloved hand. Irvine held out his hand as Selphie gracefully took it. The two couples walked silently to the ballroom.
Classical music filled the banquet hall. Extravagant decorations were hung across the walls. A live band played soft melodies on a stage in the back. Headmaster Cid and his wife sat comfortably in two large chairs, which resembled thrones
Dancers were scattered about across the marble dance floor. Rinoa and Squall started to dance away immediately. Selphie's eyes darted around the room, she spotted Quistis in her violet dress and amethyst jewelry. Seifer twirled her around across the dance floor, as he performed the dull Balamb dances. Irvine tapped Selphie's shoulder lightly.
"Would you like to dance?" He asked as she turned around. Selphie's eyes glittered and twinkled.
"I would." She whispered. Irvine held her wrist as they glided onto the dance floor.
Irvine lowered his eyebrows trying to remember what dance he was supposed to perform. Selphie realized his strain as she lifted her dress an inch and gently curtsied. Irvine placed his arm across his waist and bowed. He reached for Selphie's hands as her gown swept the floor. Selphie twirled outwards, then inwards. It was a boring dance, but it was with Irvine.
Three Dances Later
Selphie sipped some lemony pink punch as she talked with Irvine.
"You're really good at dancin now." She said with a wink. Irvine shrugged coolly,
"It ain't notin." He grinned as he turned his head. The classic music had stopped and the band was taking a break. The Headmaster was pacing the room arm-to-arm with his beloved wife. Irvine eyes the lady for a moment. She looks real familiar, he thought to himself. Rinoa stepped onto the stage holding the microphone.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Today is the 30th annual Balamb Garden Festival." She introduced. Everyone clapped and cheered as the light began to dim. Selphie stood up on her heels,
"WE'RE GONNA PAA-TAY!" She shouted. Irvine couldn't help a small laugh.
Rinoa smiled widely as she took a step back. "Okay everyone, to start off the night I'm going to sing a little different type song." She faced her head towards the band, she cocked her head and turned around again. Nida, Balamb Garden's best mechanic, switched a small button the soundboard as techno music echoed in the room. The band gave small sounds here and there.
Disclaimer: "Eye's On Me Remix"/Faye Wong
For you, she said nearly inaudibly.
For you, a bit louder.
For you, Louder.
For you, Louder.
FOR YOU… Now she sang in normal volume.
I never sang my songs
On this stage
On my own
I never said my words
Wishing they would be heard
I saw you smiling at me,
Was it real or
Just my Fantasy
You'll always be there in the corner
Of this tiny
little bar
The song was much faster than the original version. The music sounded like crystal jingling together. Selphie dragged Irvine out of his seat as she made her way to the dance floor.
My last night here with you
Same old songs
Just once more
My last night here with you
Maybe yes, maybe no
I kinda liked it your way
How you shyly placed your
Eyes one me
Oh did you ever know?
That I had my eye on you
Selphie watched Rinoa point her eyes towards Squall, who stood quietly in a corner. She felt a hand on her shoulder pull her abruptly. Before she knew it, she was in the hall right outside of the ballroom. Irvine was behind her.
"Let's ditch this party." He whispered in her ear.
Darlin so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall I be the one for you
Who pinches you softly
But sure
If a frown is shone then
I will know, you are no dreamer
So let me come to you
Close as I
Want to be
Close enough for me
To feel your heart, beating fast
You say there all whispers
How I love your peaceful
Eyes on me
Did you ever know?
That I had my eye on you………………………
Selphie smiled thinly, she then nodded in agreement. Quickly Irvine took her arm as the two rushed out of the building.
(Is there really a reason to repeat the song we already know? If you want to see it end, go the chapter five. Oh, I'm not makin the remix up, it's really good, better than the original one anyways.)
Outside in the cool crystal moonlight, running across the green plains outside of Balamb Garden and the entrance of Balamb Town, was Irvine and Selphie. A few couples were in the garden surroundings sat along the cool grass and others walking around the lined flowerbeds. Irvine led Selphie hastily away from Garden and all the way to the beach.
Immediately once Selphie's feet touched the sand, her balance was lost on her heeled shoes. She fell on her nimble knees and the ground. Irvine turned towards her and kneeled.
"You okay?" He asked quickly. Selphie, whose head was in the sand, didn't stir.
"Heheh…AHAHAHAHHAA!" She broke into laughter. Irvine raised his eyebrows awkwardly. Selphie stood gently as she tugged at Irvine's arm. Irvine followed as Selphie jumped in the ocean abruptly. Irvine smiled as he joined as well.
"You're crazy Selphie." He laughed after he reached her. Selphie shook her head.
"I know!" She said carefree. Irvine wrapped his arms around her. Selphie closed her eyes as the two enjoyed the soft silence.
Half an hour later
The moon grew cloudy and the air more cool. Selphie lied on the beach waiting for her wet gown to dry along with Irvine who sat beside her waiting for his suit to dry as well. Selphie gazed at the stars.
"You see that groups of stars over there?" She asked quietly. She pointed to six stars to Irvine's left. Irvine clicked his tounge.
"What about them?" He replied. Selphie widened her eyes as if she was knew about the stars very well.
"That's called Griever the lion." She whispered. Irvine glanced at Selphie. Selphie's eyes showed she was in deep thought, her voice was quiet, though it seemed tears were running down her face.
"Selph? You okay?" Irvine said as he gently nudged her shoulder.
"…I'm fine Irvy." Though you could tell she wasn't.
"Want to tell me about it?"
"(Sigh) I dunno, it sounds kinda stupid when I say it."
"Try me Sefie." Irvine said very thoughtfully. Selphie laid her arms around Irvine's neck.
"Thanks…" She said in a sad tone he'd never heard. "Before I came to Balamb, and when I lived in Trabia, my dad would take me and my mom camping every winter in the warmer parts of Trabia. And every night when we thought my mom was asleep, me and my dad would come out and look at the stars. And I would hear so many stories…soon by midnight my mom would find us and we'd all talk together." Selphie breathed hard as if the air was becoming thin.
"When I was 13…my mom had an accident. There was some dumb idiots fighting with guns, and they shot my mom." Warm tears rolled against her cheeks she sniffed. "My dad was sad of course, but he tried to remind me of her. So we still went camping, and we looked at the stars and pretended my mom would join us…" Selphie's voice began to break, nether the less she continued her tale. "When I was 15 years old, my dad left for a trip for a few months and left me with my aunts. When he came back, he had a fiancé. He didn't even ask me if I didn't mind them getting married. And I guess it wasn't all bad, but it was like she hated me. She didn't put me in the wedding, and she rarely talked to me. And if, I mean IF we went camping she wouldn't let my dad look at the stars. When I told my dad, he just got so mad at me." Selphie broke into sobs. "He never forgave me for insulting her, AND I'LL NEVER FORGIVE HIM! But… I still miss all the things we did."
Irvine sat up as she grasped Selphie. Selphie continued to sob. "Go ahead and cry Selphie, I don't mind." He stroked her hair softly as an idea popped into his head. Winter break was just around the corner, what was stopping him from taking Selphie to Trabia? If his name and files were clear for now, he could.
"Thank you Irvine…" Selphie whispered between tears. Irvine hugged her tighter. It's okay Selphie, I hate the people who raised me too.