Selphie Kinneas
Roses
The Fugitive's Rose
Chapter Four- Plans Of A Mission
"I love you." He repeated. Selphie's eyes closed as the strong words echoed through her mind. Irvine's hand appeared and pushed her slightly. "Go, it already must be past midnight."
Selphie couldn't see Irvine, but she nodded and began walked away. She ran out of the tangled forest to the empty clearing of the Balamb plains. The night's winds had already passed, spring was coming and the winds thinned away sooner. Selphie kept advancing to Garden.
She made it on the cement platforms in the flower gardens. The gate had been bolted shut and she was locked out. She kneeled and hugged her knees. I bet it's 12:30 or so… Someone gripped her shoulders and suddenly dragged her into the large bushes. She fell to the ground as the silhouette pulled into a hidden room. The room was small and empty, the shadow let go of her flicked on the light switch and pulled her up.
"HOW COULD YOU!?" Squall roared as he gripped her shoulders and shook her madly. Selphie bit her lip for she couldn't reply. "YOU PROMISED! HOW DARE YOU GO BACK ON THAT?!"
"Squall… I'm sorry. I know I promised a while back not to… go ahead and let your anger out. I deserve it." Selphie whispered in a melancholy voice. Squall unconsciously raised his hand and pushed Selphie hard causing her to fall a foot away from him. Selphie froze in her position as silent tears rolled from her eyes to the hard ground. Squall rubbed his forehead.
"Selphie I didn't exactly mean to do that…"
"I deserved it. I remember you and Rinoa made me promise not to see him. To forget him and get on with my life. But, I can't do that Squall. I just can't keep that commitment. I love him. I always will." Selphie tightly held her rose bud in her grip. "I never knew anyone like Irvine. Hearing what he did, or his real name… it doesn't seem enough to convince him a bad guy. Please. Try to understand."
Squall groaned as he knelt by her and smiled, Selphie hadn't moved from her paralyzed position.
"Selphie… it's gonna be alright. You shouldn't waste your life over some guy. Believe I would know, I am a guy. I know I've never been the nicest friend especially since you went on a date with Irvine. I thought I was doing the right thing. Honestly, I never wanted to hurt you."
"You were doing the right thing… that's what makes me most upset." Selphie stuttered as she began to tear up again. "I don't know anymore, I'm just so confused!" Squall did the first action that came to mind and grabbed Selphie and lifted her to her knees and hugged her kindly. Selphie did nothing but accepted the warm friendly gesture.
"It's gonna be okay, friends need to help each other Selph. I'm not sayin anything bout' Irvine. But stay away alright?" Squall asked as he patted Selphie's back. Selphie nodded in reply as she kept in the embrace.
ooooooooooo
A couple of hours later
Irvine crept through the grass. The morning sun peaked through the clouds. Dawn was on its way and the morning sunshine would soon destroy any hopes of being concealed. He made far to the south harbor. It lay quiet and abandoned. Irvine looked at the simple docks with loosely tied boats. Man… I'll have to steal one. There's a motor boat, it should be fast enough to get me as far away as Timber by noon. From there, I could probably find some train track to walk along on to Deling. Not good enough, I need to get as far as the… Centra! That's it. From Deling I can find a boat or something to get me across the ocean.
oooooooooooooo
Lunch that day
Rinoa, Selphie, and Squall sat in the cafeteria eating the day's special, meatloaf.
"May I cut in?"
The three turned their heads to a slender petite girl with long silky brown hair and shimmering blue eyes. She wore a simple Balamb uniform, signifying she wasn't a SeeD. In one hand she held a small notebook and pencil in the other a tape recorder.
"I'm Lindsay Agraw, editor and chief of the Balamb Garden newspaper." She smiled kindly as she stuck out a hand to Selphie.
"I'm Se-" She began.
"Yes, I know who you are. Listen," Lindsay interrupted as she pulled out a chair for herself and ignored Rinoa and Squall. "You know since Irvine Kinneas hasn't been found, he seems more dangerous than ever. Do you mind giving me a small interview?"
Selphie wrinkled her nose as she dropped her silverware. "Why… I never. I'm trying to eat and you bombard me!" She scowled. Lindsay shuddered away and pushed her sleek hair.
"Oh Selphie… what strong words. Could be bitterness of anger. Are you angry with Irvine? Tell me Selphie, I'm but your friend." Lindsay pouted her lips as she grew nearer to her. "I know how you feel. I used to have a boyfriend full of notoriety."
"You did?" Selphie asked rather puzzled.
"No… but did you buy it?" The reporter snickered.
"Er! Leave me alone! It's been nearly a year since Irvine left so why do you want me now!?" With that Selphie and pushed her seat away.
"Well, a good reporter knows where she's not wanted." Lindsay sighed.
"Then you mustn't be a good reporter." Snapped Selphie.
"Oh? Was that supposed to be your pathetic excuse of an insult?"
"No, but that was your pathetic excuse of accepting one." Selphie flickered her head away and stormed out of the cafeteria before Lindsay could say anything else.
ooooooooooooooooo
A few hours later
"I don't understand."
Selphie sat in the empty quad with Zell. Zell sighed as he gazed into the bright sun. The sunset was young and classes were through. And here he was stuck with Selphie.
"You should." Zell argued.
"What does that mean?" She retorted. Zell stood and faced Selphie.
"Irvine, Irvine Kinneas was a man that people thought was invincible. There have been hundreds of G-AERO members who've been known and killed, but just this one has made through all of the troubles everyone throws at him. That's not only threatening, it's just plain SCARY! No one, and I mean no one knows Irvine well enough to describe him. Only G-AERO members. And you Selphie, heck you kissed the guy. You went camping with him and did everything that denies what people thought of him. Everyone wants to know, what is Irvine Kinneas really like?" Zell declared. He sat and thought for a moment, "Wait a minute, I was his ROOMMATE! How come that pretty Lindsay isn't askin me for an interview, better yet a date!"
"You HAVE a girlfriend Zell!" Selphie shouted angrily as she went back to her own problems.
Selphie rested her head on her hand. Is the rest of my life going to be like this? From the entrance of the quad a student in his navy uniform arrived with an envelope in his hand.
"Ms. S Tilmitt? Student I.D 6857?" He asked abruptly. Zell and Selphie looked at him and nodded.
"Yes, I'm Tilmitt." Selphie replied.
"I was told to give this to you ASAP. It's from the Headmaster." He explained. With that he saluted and excused himself.
Selphie examined the envelope. In fine print it read, "TO BE DELIVERED TO S. TILMITT" Selphie flipped it over to the flap and carefully slid her finger under.
"Whatcha think it is?" Zell questioned.
"I don't know." Selphie whispered innocently.
S. TILMITT
STUDENT I.D. 68577
THE HEADMASTER OF BALAMB GARDEN REQUESTS A BRIEF MEETING WITH YOU. THIS MEETING REGARDS A MISSION FROM ESTHER. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE HEADMASTER'S OFFICE DIRECTLY AFTER DINNER. IF YOU FAIL TO JOIN THIS CONFERENCE, YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY RESIGNED FROM THE MISSION.
Cid Kramer
CID KRAMER HEADMASTER OF BALAMB GARDEN
Selphie's eyes widened. Me? On a mission!? Selphie gasped as she glanced at Zell.
"Whoa, you're lucky! A mission. You better not be late." He pointed. Selphie nodded as she rushed out of the quad.
ooooooooo
Selphie stood herself near the elevator. Dinner hadn't finished, so she just couldn't throw herself into the headmaster office.
"Selphie?" the voice of Squall echoed. Selphie curved her attention to the SeeD as he confronted her. "What in Hyne's name are you doing here?" Selphie shrugged slightly as she opened her mouth to answer.
"I… I got a mission!" She peeped happily. Squall gave her an odd glance and produced a letter.
"Did you get this?" He asked as Selphie examined the letter.
"Y-yeah, exactly like that." She concluded after scanning the entire page. Squall lent his hand as he helped Selphie onto her feet.
"Let's go then."
oooooooo
"OH MY &%&$! HYNE!"
Irvine held his breath as he gagged the ocean water. Now I know why they say never drink salt water! He squinted his eyes into the intense heat of Timber's sunsets. Spring had long passed them and summer burned the town. Irvine's steady boat grew closer to land as he continued to heave the salty liquid that lingered in his parched throat.
"WHY THE HELL DID YOU PUT A OCEAN FULL OF DRINK LESS WATER!?" He clamored as he shook his head. Half delirious he made out the shape of the city that laid not far from him. He collapsed on the boats ground and looked the light pink sky. Selphie… you loved sunsets. Helplessly Irvine gripped the edge of his boat and held himself. He for the motor strings and pulled with whatever strength he had. The boat scurried faster to land.
Timber…
ooooooooooo
Selphie and Squall stood in salute before the headmaster. The headmaster paced to and fro and finally held out his hand.
"At ease."
They let their hands hand straight at their sides as they kept their pupils on the Headmaster. Headmaster Cid let out a sigh as he sat himself down. "As your invitation announced, you two have been chosen to head on a mission. This mission is very important. It came all the way from Esther."
"Permission to speak sir." Squall interrupted.
"Yes, yes Squall. Go ahead." Cid beckoned.
"Is this mission large, and we are only allowed two SeeDs?"
"Keen as usual Mr. Loire. Yes, the mission is a large and one with heavy responsibility. You cadets are here today since Esther as strictly sent for you. They require Ms. Tilmitt as the leader, and Squall you will be her Co-Leader." Selphie gagged as did Squall. The two stood still as they continued to listen to Cid. "You may choose your own SeeDs to come along with you. In fact, Esther said they highly advise you to pick your own crew. Ms. Tilmitt will have the last word. Mr. Loire, you and I both know Ms. Tilmitt is still immature so please help her as much as possible. The crew will include you both and three more SeeDs. They are of your choice so choose wisely.
"Now then, I shall read off the requirements of the actual mission. Ahem, 'This mission is from the high military department of Esther. This should be taken seriously and a single flaw will ruin it. The mission is expected to take no longer than two weeks. We shall provide a comfortable ride, food, and clean water. You will have a small army of 50 men with you. They will be at your command. We have given them only a few strict orders, please do not interrupt these. The mission will take place in the Centra Ruin. Our goal, find Irvine Kinneas and have him arrested."
Selphie's eyes widened as the order was heard. Flashes of Irvine's face flew through her head. No… NO! I WON'T DO IT! "NO!"
Squall and Cid turned towards her. "No what Ms. Tilmitt?" The Headmaster questioned slightly angered.
"Sir please! Please don't tell me I can't reject this mission! Please sir!" Selphie cried. Squall glanced at her sadly as he turned to the headmaster.
"As to me sir."
"I'm sorry both of you. Esther has strictly told me they want you two. I can't change their orders." Cid signaled one of the Garden Faculties. They dragged a thin slender wooden box to Selphie. "This has arrived from Esther Ms. Tilmitt, a gift you might say."
Selphie gave the headmaster an awkward look as she opened the box. Inside was a shiny new pair of knunchuks with a glossy red handle and sharp jade ends with crescents. "The Strange Vision…" Selphie breathed. Squall slapped his temples as he threw a dirty look at the headmaster.
"You're dismissed, the both of you." Cid said irritably.
oooooooooooo
"No! NO SQUALL!" Selphie leaned against the wall and slid to the ground she buried her face with her arms and sobbed. "I WON'T DO IT! I WON'T DO IT DAMNIT!"
"Selphie…" Squall began comforting.
"NO! I WON'T! I RATHER DIG MY OWN GRAVE!" Selphie felt endless tears rolled off her cheeks onto her clothing and leave small wet marks.
"Let's go Selph." Squall sighed as he reached out for her hand.
"NOOOOO! NO I WON'T!" Selphie continued to scream and wail. Squall a bit aggravated lifted her to her feet and swung her over his shoulder.
"Better hush up, people might think I'm kidnapping you." He said sarcastically.
"No, no, no!" Selphie kicked and yelled banging on Squall's back without realizing she was hitting him. As Squall predicted, everyone glanced at him oddly as he carried her to her dorm hall. He pushed the door open and dumped Selphie in her room. Rinoa who was asleep in her room rushed to Selphie's aid after hearing her screaming.
"What's wrong with her!?" Rinoa shouted in shock. She knelt by her and patted her softly. "Selphie? Calm down it's me Rinoa…?"
"NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOO!" Selphie bawled. Squall rubbed the back of his neck as he indicated Rinoa to follow him. Rinoa worriedly hugged Selphie and left.
"What happened?! Is she okay?!" She shrieked once they exited the dorm.
"Selphie's… really she's just depressed," Squall inhaled deeply as he told Rinoa of the mission that they were both forced into. Rinoa screamed in fret as she hastily returned to Selphie to continue to comfort her.
By that time, Selphie had already placed herself on her bed and quieted herself down. Rinoa sat on the bed beside while Squall neighbored her. Rinoa placed her head near Selphie's as she spoke softly.
"Oh Selphie, we're so sorry."
oooooooooo
Breakfast the next
Rinoa opened her napkin as she ironed it on her lap and lifted her fork. She opened her mouth and held a fork full of steamy eggs to her lips.
"Rin where's Selphie?"
Rinoa dropped the fork and looked to the direction of the voice. Zell stood firm and seriously across her with a look of discretion.
"You can calm down, she isn't dead… yet." She replied. Zell gave a sigh of relief as he threw himself in a chair.
"Thank Hyne. After what Squall told me I was sure she'd hung herself."
"Zell… Selphie's angry, not mental." Rinoa said sourly.
"Yeah, yeah… so did Squall give you info on the mission." Zell asked curiously. Rinoa nodded as she slipped Zell a sheet of paper. Zell read it aloud, "The following cadets for the Irvine Kinneas search are, Selphie Tilmitt, Squall Loire, Rinoa Caraway, Seifer Almasy, and… ZELL DINTCH?! WHEN DID I AGREE TO GO ON THIS DANG MISSION!?"
"Never, Selphie didn't want to choose anyone so Squall did. We can't complain, c'mon think about Selphie. Are we really going to let her do this alone?" Rinoa gave Zell a pleading look.
"Aw… fine. I'll do it." Zell pouted childishly as he sat back against his chair.
oooooooooo
Irvine tiredly trudged down the slippery track of Timber railroad. The path for Deling had been closed both ways for the week giving Irvine a small miracle and a chance to catch up. He had everything planned out from Deling. Not every G-Aero member knew he had quit, yet. If he hurried he could catch Halerd Sesani, also known as Halerd sees-it-all. He was the best watch out man in the organization. He camped himself in the heart of the tomb of the unknown king. The guardians there were protection too him, as he was to for them. Halerd owned one of the top boats in the G-Aero and could carry Irvine anywhere in the world in a matter of two to five days. The Centra wasn't as far from Deling as he expected.
If Halerd didn't know Irvine was now against him, he'd gain control of any G-Aero equipment he wanted. Halerd had radars, top-notch binoculars, and assortments of things that could get him safely out of Galbadia territory. If Halerd knows… all I have to do is steal it all. A grim smirk appeared on Irvine's face as he gripped his valiant tighter.
oooooooo
A few days later
More news concerning the mission was dropped daily into the SeeD's dorms. Selphie ignored them all. She could care less if the whole mission failed. Squall would usually pry her door open and fill her in anyways. It was her duty to know all of the information.
Truthfully she would have been the best leader ever known to SeeDs, if only she could put her heart into the mission. Squall was the only reason the mission still thrived. Even though he released the thought of wanting Irvine behind bars, Esther was very high and could do anything to Garden if something were to purposely go wrong. Squall spent his life learning the secrets behind Esther's success, it was needless to say he knew what could possibly happen to Selphie had she thrown her responsibilities out the window.
Selphie laid her tired head against the wall. She sat at the corner of her bed as she gazed over Squall's written up plans. They were professional and were almost 100% sure it would work. She turned to another page of information collected by Esther. It explained all proof they had declaring Irvine was in the Centra.
"Irvine was just in Balamb… how could he get so far so quickly?" Selphie asked herself with a slight tone of hope. She concentrated hard on the view of the Balamb forest she had from her window. "… I have to warn him." Selphie never returned to see Irvine again, little did she know Irvine had traveled so far from her the same day. Selphie dressed into her SeeD armor and held the Strange Vision to her side. She poked her head to see if Rinoa was anywhere.
To Selphie's success, she was able to exit the Garden without being noticed. With more ambition to find Irvine she rebelled the wind and made herself reach the forest.
She stepped in to the heart of the forest. It was empty. The ashes of an aged fire lingered on the on the ground and faded footprints were placed near them. Selphie hugged herself as she imagined the terrifying thought. Irvy… I don't want to see you. Why aren't you here though?!? Unsure of her next action, Selphie fell to her knees and cried. She'd been doing a lot of that lately.
"Irvy… I miss you… I love you… I WANT TO SEE YOU." She dropped the knunchuks on the dirt. She stamped her palms on the ground as she held herself up. "I DON'T WANT TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU!" Images of Irvine's kind face, his actions, him being close to Selphie. The true color of his eyes, the roses he gave Selphie. "I NEED YOU!" His little surprises, the joy Selphie gained. "WHY DID I EVER LEAVE YOU!?" Soon her arms couldn't hold her. She body fell flat on the dirt.
Don't forsaken me… don't leave me… don't disappear from me.
"IRVINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
ooooooooo
We HAVE OVER A 100 REVIEWS! YEAYHHHHH!
I had to change the key agian cuz freakin FanFiction won't letme use symbols! So I'm using letters and numbers, THEN THEY HAVE TO LET ME USE IT! AHHAHAH! Anyways, does anyone know the description of Constructive Critisim? When I ask for it, I never get it.
A/N- don't be mad at Squall, you really need to look it through his point of view. And Vapor Kitty, please tell me you have dry eyes right now, I don't want to make you … uh well you know.