Selphie Kinneas
Roses
The SeeD's Rose
Chapter Four-Feuds

"Never ever…" It wasn't a dream.

Selphie lay in Irvine's warm arms until the sobbing wasn't heard. Her eyes closed as she rested. Irvine relaxed his legs stroking Selphie's soft hair. You're not mad at me anymore? The words eased through clearing his troubled mind.

"Irvine…?" Selphie whispered.

"Yeah Sefie?" He replied.

"I'm… sorry too. I let the past get in the way. The past wasn't kind to either of us and I used my pain and blamed it on you. But Irvine… there's only been one person who's helped me through the rocky times. When I saw my dad, I thought life had ended since I no longer had family. When you left, I thought you really didn't care about me. But each and every time you'd fix it. That's why… that's why I want you with me. No one else, just you always."

Irvine grinned, "I never remembered what it meant to have a real smile. I didn't remember how it makes you so happy till I saw yours. Your happy face… thinking of seeing it in pain makes me hurt too. That's why you always have to smile for me Selphie, I don't think I could stand being around your sad face. It could make Hyne cry."

Grins and smirks are disguises or just gestures… a genuine smile is what really counts. Nothing else really matters. Smiles are the signs of joy, and I always to see it, and I want to show it to you too, Selphie.

"………… Lunch is probably over, right?" Selphie asked. Irvine shrugged,

"I dunno." He paused, "Were you hungry? Come on let's go eat." Irvine pulled Selphie to her feet as he ran out.

"But Irvine! Lunch is over! Dinner isn't for hours!"

Selphie helplessly followed Irvine as he pulled her arm and exited the Garden. It wasn't long before He dragged them into town. Irvine scanned all the signs and shrugged.

"Dang I forgot something." Irvine snapped. Selphie raised an eyebrow.

"… Forgot?"

"Oh yeah! I remember now! Where do you want to go!"

Selphie smiled, "That doesn't matter to me dum dum!" She laughed. Irvine smiled as he pulled her to the nearest restaurant. It was an average small sandwich parlor.

The host smiled and greeted them. "From garden eh?" He asked. Selphie nodded as she clasped Irvine's hand. The host met eye with Irvine to shake his hand welcomingly, he suddenly paused.

"I-Irvine K-K-Kinneas!" He shouted. The manager came rushing from behind the counter with an angry face.

"We don't serve your kind here, and that's that! Get out before I call the police! You'll cost me all my customers." He snapped as he rudely showed the door.

Irvine said nothing he simply let go of Selphie's hand and dropped a few gil in the manager's palm. "If you don't serve me, that's fine. Just help Selphie. She didn't do anything." Irvine took a step back and exited the building.

Selphie stood unsurely with an awkward glare from everyone. All customers were pointed in the direction of them. Selphie looked back at Irvine who made his leave. Selphie gulped loudly, "Sub… to go."

ooooo

Irvine leaned against the backside of the plaza back. His hat hung over his eyes.

"Hey Irvy… got you something." Selphie smiled as she held out a bag. Irvine turned his head.

"No thanks Selphie… I ain't hungry." He mumbled.

"You sound like Squall Irvy, come one eat half with me." She pleaded as she unwrapped a foot long sub. Carefully she tore it apart giving Irvine the bigger half. Irvine gave in and took the sandwich.

Together the two began to walk out of the town. It was still early afternoon as Selphie led the way to the beach. Irvine tiredly sat on the sand and began chewing the sandwich. Selphie happily sat by him as she munched into her half.

"Just this morning I thought I wanted to die Selphie…" Irvine said loud while his eyes were glued to the high bright sun in the clear blue sky. Selphie gulped as she looked to him. "I wanted to literally kill myself. Drown, forget you, something that could ease the pain."

Selphie guiltily looked to the sand, before she could speak Irvine spoke in again. "And all I kept thinking was, that you'd never want to forgive me. When Zell told me… the news I guess all I thought was you wanted your apology."

"But that wasn't it at all," Selphie interrupted softly. "Rinoa… she said something to me, and I really didn't understand why. Maybe I will, but right now I don't care." She spun to Irvine's view, "All I care about is you!" She dropped the sub and jumped into his arms. Irvine lost his balance and fell onto his back.

"All that matters is you…" He repeated.

ooooo

Later that night

In a dorm in the last hall, quietly discussing were five individuals. Two girls from the CC group and three various boys, one was an ex-member of the Trepe Groupies. The other two used to be in the Discipline Committee.

"Alright, what information do we have Diamonds?" The ex-Trepe Groupie ordered. The twin girls cleared their throats as the alternated who spoke.

"His first class is Monsters & Magic. Second is Training Skills of Fight…" They said with acridness in their voice as the last class left their lips. "Tomorrow he'll have History first then Study of G.F." They concluded.

"Good Diamonds," He sighed as he looked to one of the other boys. "Smith what else can you add?"

The boy hung his head, "I herd rumors of Selphie Tilmitt breaking up with him, that's gold Jerome."

Jerome smiled, "Really?" His face altered positions as if the first was sarcastic, "THAT'S NOT A GOOD THING!" He snapped.

The final boy snickered. "What's so funny Alan?" Jerome shouted. Alan grinned evilly as he opened his mouth to speak.

"If they broke up, they're together again today. And also it seems that no one in Balamb is willing to give him a second chance."

Everyone's ears perked, as they grew nearer. "Tell us what you know!" Diamond twin one shrilled.

"Out with it Al!" Jerome commanded irritably.

"I was in a sandwich parlor today. Kinneas came with Tilmitt and they looked pretty happy. The manager refused to serve him. He sent him out without letting him order anything. Tilmitt was allowed but she left too."

Jerome lifted an eyebrow, "So you're saying Kinneas is already being treated unfairly?"

"Yep, Jerry I don't think the police would help him if he was almost assassinated." Alan sinisterly chortled.

"We can't take chances like that! Kinneas is still being used in Esther government, if Balamb doesn't care about his well-being Esther will! They want him alive, and if he came close to murder they would surely investigate it until they have what they need." Diamond twin two panicked in caution.

"On the contrary, if we just wait until after Irvine leads the attack on the bases… where he might die anyways Esther won't need him anymore and therefore not care about him. No doubt the G-Aero wants him dead if he ratted on them." Smith thought aloud.

"We can't wait that long, that mission is being well secured so that the G-Aero doesn't find out. For all we know that mission could be in preparation for months! By then Kinneas will have more acceptance. We take action now!" Jerome shouted.

"Right, but there is one detail we've forgotten." Twin one added, "Selphie Tilmitt is most likely from all of are inferences Irvine's strongest weakness. Harming her in anyway is illegal."

"Chill, our plan is fool proof. Nothing can go wrong." Smith laughed.

ooooo

The next morning

Selphie blinked her emerald pupils several times into the morning sunshine that swept her room. She tossed onto her side and found a slip of paper on the ground. It was stationary that looked very much like Quistis'. It was neatly folded and had her name neatly written on it. She reached forward and read to it herself.

SELPHIE TILMITT,

THIS IS HEADMASTER CID INQUIRING FOR YOU TO JOIN A MISSION. THIS MISSION MUST BE A SECRET. THEREFORE PLEASE MEET ME OUTSIDE OF GARDEN GROUNDS NEAR THE BALAMB FOREST BY THE BEGINNING OF SECOND PERIOD. YOU WILL BE EXCUSED FROM CLASS. THIS IS NOT AN OPTIONAL MEETING.

HEADMASTER CID KRAMER

Another mission? Secret? Selphie sat puzzled what kind of mission it could possibly be. Missing Monsters & Magic was neither sacrifice nor a problem. She climbed out of bed and changed for class with the thought in her head.

If it was a secret she couldn't risk asking Squall or Rinoa. But perhaps Irvine, she could trust him with anything. It's like he'd never tell another soul. She trotted to Instructor Elijah's class to find Irvine in his new back seat. She rushed to him with a morning smile.

"Hey Irvy! Guess what?" She winked loudly whispering. Irvine winked back signifying she could continue. "I got another chance for a mission, but don't tell anyone. It's a HUGE secret that I have to meet the Headmaster outside of Garden."

"Outside? Secret? Is there any other recruits?" Irvine interrogated.

"Umm, not that I know of. I'll find out later."

"No Selphie, I don't think you should go."

"But Irvy! It said I have no choice! I thought you'd be happy for me!"

"Selphie! You know I am, but look at your luck with your last mission. I just think it's weird."

"Irvine Kinneas! I will not back down from a mission because of your suspicions! I know it's not normal but it can't be bad! See look!" She held out the stationary paper she found herself.

"Uh Selphie? Why is it written on personal stationary?" He asked. Selphie nodded in a matter-of-factly way.

"I told you, it is a SECRET! He didn't let anyone else see it I bet!"

"No, no, on lady's stationary? Look maroon flowers everywhere. Just hear me out Sefie, I think if you find another person going on this mission you should go. But if not, don't take your chances."

Selphie's face transformed from a happy gimmick to a frowning growl. "I can't believe you! Irvine I understand you care and all but it's Garden! If you don't want me to have a mission just say it but making stupid excuses is just DUMB! I can take care of myself! I don't need you to come everywhere! My missions, my BUSINESS!" She turned on her heels and marched off to her desk.

Once class dismissed Selphie was too over excited to remember what she had said to Irvine as she skipped off outside of the building. The halls soon calmed as Seifer and his Discipline Committee stomped through restraining order.

Selphie trotted along the stairwell from the elevator to the first floor. Her hands holding her school book with her mind focused on one thing. Irvine seemed kind of upset when I said that stuff… but he knew I was just kidding. I mean I'm not really mad at him or anything. He knows that, I mean we just got over our fight yesterday.

She reached the base of the staircase as she slouched. "Maybe I was more mean than I thought. I should say sorry. Even if he's not mad, I should. Selphie rushed with a slow pace to the dormitories and knocked on Irvine's room.

There was no answer but the door was unlocked. She entered seeing the entire dorm clustered and messy. It was expected since Zell and Irvine were no housekeepers. The latest editions of Combat King was on the floor with new ammunition beside it. Selphie easily imagined Irvine and Zell busy with their own weapons ogling at the items.

"Aw, must be at the library. Selphie turned dropping her book on accident. She was in much of a hurry to care as she shut the door and hurried to her own dorm to get her Strange Vision.

After her errand was complete she hurried out of Garden. The courtyards were at peace with only a few people lingering in the flower gardens. With a deep breath Selphie advanced to the gates with the two small gargoyles.

Before she took another step, she stood confused. Why would Irvy think badly of this mission? He's happy for me always… he's different ever since he came back. It's weird, maybe I should've at least listened. I have to go apologize now! With a smile of triumph, Selphie turned toward the opposite direction and made her way back. As she passed the first entrance courtyard, she noticed a student going in the path of the exit.

Hey, he must be from the mission! If he's going now, then it must be time. Ohhhh I'll be late if I go find Irvy now! I'll say sorry later, it doesn't matter now. The student had already vanished to the plains of Balamb.

Remembering the letter Selphie traveled through and came to the entrance of the forest. The large tree shadowed as she took a look inside. The critters could be heard along with the roars of larger monsters.

At least in the plains you can see what's coming after you, the forest is a much more difficult zone. "I wonder where that guy went…? He must've been for this mission too or else he wouldn't be leaving Garden right now."

"Excuse me, Selphie Tilmitt I presume?" Came a male voice.

Selphie jumped in fear and slowly spun around. "Oh yeah! T-that's me!" She chirped. The male smiled,

"Very good, I'm… let's not mention for now. Th-the Headmaster is in the forest due to lack of privacy. Please follow me." He said kindly.

"You look familiar… I know you're a student and all, but I think I've seen you someplace." Selphie pondered leisurely. The male hesitated.

"Really, we should go. He's waiting." He urged.

"Wait… are you the salesperson from the training center?" She asked.

"Uh," He started.

"OH I KNOW!" Selphie shouted in joy, "You're that love-sick kid from the cafeteria who sings poems all day for Quistis, I mean Instructor Trepe."

Jerome's eyes went wide as he turned his head. "You must be mistaken. Come on, we really need to go." He muttered.

"Ok, sure." Selphie skipped merrily behind Jerome.

She came into the abyss of the forest with little sunlight coming through the branches. Selphie walked uncomfortably until she knew the center would could soon where the clearing of light mainly stood. The fissures through the leaves were larger.

Jerome stopped abruptly in the dimness. "Forgive me, I'm usually more a of a gentleman but desperate times cause for desperate measures." Selphie stood dumbstruck and confused for a moment. With that one moment Jerome leapt not even an inch away from her and cupped her hand over he mouth and grabbed the rest of her body with the other.

Franticly, muffled screams left Selphie's mouth. Her throat became sore as she screamed more and more. Jerome carried her not into the center but out of the forest to a stone cave. Once they reached the entrance of the cave Jerome pinned Selphie to the ground. He released his hand from her mouth but put a firm grip to keep her in place.

"Don't raise your voice and I won't hurt you." Jerome said coldly.

"W-what… are you doing with me?" Selphie trembled. Jerome sympathetically put a comforting hand on her cheek.

"Nothing ia going to happen to you." He whispered.

Even though his intentions were to release the fear in Selphie it only multiplied. Selphie shuddered remembering she dropped her knunchuks in the forest and was unarmed. Her only G.F was a Carbuncle that couldn't fight and she was broke from magics.

Tears began to form but Selphie refused to cry. "We just need you to disappear for a little. That's all." Jerome added. Selphie put on a braver face as inside crawled with ever increasing panic.

"You know, Irvine is lucky. For having such a cute girl like you. So lucky she'd wait for his crime-acting ass to join her again. Kinneas is such a bad ass, and yet he still got a girl like you eh?"

Selphie said nothing. Jerome knelt back and withdrew ropes from his pocket. Selphie attempted to move but observed some people were guarding the path. Selphie looked into the cave feeling heat from within.

"Promise you won't scream and maybe I won't have to gag you. Can you promise?" Jerome asked. Selphie unsurely nodded. "Good." With that he slowly tied her wrists and ankles together. After that he tied her thighs tightly side by side and her arms tied and lock in by her side.

Selphie was completely wrapped and barely able to move. Why did she give in and let him have it so easily? As Jerome began to walk away, he turned around and knelt by her.

"You are really cute. Not a beautiful women like Trepe, but still cute. It's good I didn't need to gag you." Jerome put hand behind Selphie's head and stroked her hair softly.

"What do you want…?" Selphie uttered. Jerome pushed her head before his face. Selphie's frightened green eyes sparkled as she saw her reflection in his eyes.

"Nothing you can't give." Jerome brought his lip and lightly touched hers. Selphie felt a chill run through her veins as the desire to scream rushed through her brain. I have to wait until I'm alone to scream, or else he'll cover me up.

He stepped away but only an inch from Selphie's face. "Really lucky that damn bastard." Jerome met lips again and went for amore passionate kiss. His other arm wrapped around Selphie with one hand still caressing her head.

Selphie's eyes went so blank she could no longer think. Jerome took his dear love bringing Selphie so close to him she almost fainted in fear of his next action. Soon Selphie could take no more and silent tears streamed down, I'm sorry Irvine… I'm sorry.

Jerome stepped back and helped himself to another kiss. After he finished he stood and ignored Selphie's devastation. "…What a sick man that Kinneas." Jerome pulled a cloth from his back pocket and knelt again. "Well, I got what I wanted sweet stuff." He placed the cloth over her mouth and tied it tightly.

He brought a fist above her head and threw it on her skull hard as he could. Selphie's body fell on it's side as she forced her eyes open. Jerome walked away and she could only hear him say, "It's not you I want… it's Kinneas."

Can you ever forgive for not listening Irvine?

ooooo

"You were having a little too much fun Jer." Smith snickered as they blocked the pathway to the cave with a collection of large rocks.

"Quistis would never accepted me, would she Smith?" Jerome asked randomly.

"Instructor Trepe? And psychotic fans like you? Hmm, no never." Smith replied bluntly.

"Kinneas… he was never a good man and he got lucky… too lucky. I think his luck should turn down." Jerome implied acridly.

"Dude, you mean let Tilmitt die?" Smith flabbergasted stated.

"If she dies, so be it. We're not returning for her. Not even after the plan."

Jerome began to walk away; before he did he turned to Smith and added, "Go rip some cloth pieces from her suit. We'll need it." Smith rubbed his eyes still in shock.

"I'll carry out phase two, you watch the girl. Diamonds are watching Irvine now. Keep caution, you know we can't afford anything to go wrong."

ooooo

A few hours later

Irvine rushed to Rinoa and Selphie's dorm and pounded hard.

Rinoa appeared in the doorway with her usual grin. Behind her Seifer and Quistis were seated and they looked like they were talking.

"Sorry to both ya'll." He said as he as he rubbed in his neck in embarrassment.

"Not at all Irvine, what seems to be the problem?" Quistis replied as Rinoa opened the door allowing Irvine entrance.

"Yeah, don't count the good moment you interrupted." Seifer muttered under his breath.

"Uh, Selphie wasn't at lunch and I didn't see her anywhere after class upstairs. I thought I'd check in here," Irvine explained.

"Selphie? Now that you mention it, I haven't seen her either." Rinoa mentioned. Seifer shifted.

"Go find her Kinneas." He ordered.

"I've been doing that thanks." Irvine turned around in thought. "We had another little fight… nothing big it's I kinda objected on Selphie,"

Rinoa raised her eyebrow, "Wait, are you over the…"

"Yeah, last night, we talked it out. Everything is okay, but I think Selphie took what I said offensively. Like I was saying she was weak and all." Irvine explained.

"I'm terribly sorry Irvine. None of us have seen Selphie. She usually comes into my classroom to tease between classes but she didn't come today. I'll come with you to find her. I'm not doing much here anyways." Quistis stood kindly.

"Wha! Quistis, where are you going?" Seifer snapped.

"Come on Seifer, after all this work you're going to let a little fight break these two apart?" Quistis winked.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! It's not big, I told you. I just feel guilty." Irvine added in franticly. Quistis turned to him and gave signal to play along.

"Now see Seifer? Irvine is in denial. I truly think it's horrible how you're going to refuse to help." Quistis headed to the door without any avail, Seifer sat stubbornly in his place.

Quistis bit her lip as she quickly added, "Well Squall was always better at finding people than you anyways. Come on Rinoa let's go ask him." Rinoa nodded as sshe joined Irvine and Quistis.

"Wait a second? You're going to ask Loire? Don't bother; I'm better anyways. Let's go the jumpy cheerleader." With that Seifer and exited the dorm.

"Let's split up into two groups, we'll meet back here in thirty minutes if we find anything. Irvine, who should go with whom?" Quistis explained once they all came outside of the dorm.

"Well obviously Seifer has to go with Quistis, she's the only one who can control him." Rinoa laughed. Seifer squinted.

"Come on Rinoa." He took her hand and dragged her away.

Irvine looked awkwardly as the two disappeared through the corridors. "Uh, do you mind?" He asked. Quistis politely nodded.

"Not at all, hurry we have to find Selphie. Let's go see if Zell will help us."

Irvine agreed as he rushed to his dormitory with Quistis following close behind. He entered finding it empty.

"Must be out…" Irvine sighed. Quistis observed the room and focused on something that lied on the floor. She knelt and picked it up.

"My stationary, how in Hyne's name is it here?"

Irvine's ear perked as he spun to her view and almost breathless interrogated, "YOUR STATIONARY?"

Quistis began to unfold the paper, "Yes, a Trepe Groupie gave it to me. I've used it but for fun he'd use the same to write me poems." Quistis paused as she read the letter to herself, she gasped as she concluded.

"Now you see why I was a little suspicious!" Irvine strutted in panic.

"Oh, this isn't good. I'll go find Seifer and Rinoa." With that Quistis left. He sat for a moment wondering why a Trepe Groupie would do this? Was this just a frame?

Just as Irvine began to stand Zell jumped into the room with a smile. "Dude! Guess what! I got a date with these two twins!" He chuckled. Irvine ignored him.

"I knew you'd be happy for me!" Zell stated in joy not noticing Irvine's blankness toward the subject, "Oh yeah, they told meSelphie gave this to them to give to you."

Irvine snatched the note in Zell's hand before the sentence finished. He read it aloud, "Irvine meet me at the end of the forest, I'll wait for you. Selphie."

"Damnit! She's been waiting all day! I'll go find her. If you see Rinoa or anyone tell them everything is under control." Irvine quickly flew out the door and through the halls.

ooooo

Selphie rolled over. A pinch of ran over her back as she lay on the jagged stones. She abruptly felt a hand on her head. It was that Trepe Groupie, her body stiffened as she refused to let that jerk lay finger on her.

The hand helped her to sit straight. He knelt in front of her and took off her gag. Selphie observed his face in the dimness of the day. "Y-you're not the one from before." She gaped.

"Yeah, I know listen I think Jerry is going power hungry for Kinneas. He's punishing you for no reason. You can't tell him I let you go but the guy is going nuts over this. Don't stick around just get back to Garden. Out here anything can happen but no one will know for weeks. You have to go back to garden before Jerry comes back, do you got that?"

"What about Irvine? What'll happen to him?" Selphie asked sternly.

"I can't promise you nothing, go or I'll tie you up again." He ordered.

Selphie nodded as stood and took a minute to regain strength in her legs, she faced the student and scratched the back of her head. "Why do you hate Irvine? Why are you helping this 'Jerry' do all of this?"

The student stood, "You really want to know?" He walked past her. "My brother was a soldier in Galbadia. He was patrolling the streets when Irvine was sneaking into an ammunition warehouse. He killed my brother with 24 other soldiers in a minute. No misses, any and everybullet barrel was in a man's chest or heart. My brother had a clean shot through his forehead."

He spun and faced Selphie with a face of anger, "When I told Seifer that the Discipline Committee should kept a closer eye on him, he just kicked me out!" He leaned against a boulder, "Just get out here girl. You wouldn't understand."

Selphie gave him a look of pity and slowly made her way out, "Thanks, for letting me out. I know you want revenges as much as anybody. But it won't heal the pain, I know it won't."

Smith didn't reply but slouched on the rocks and gave no eye contact. Selphie hung her head and limped of out the cave's area.

… I thought I wanted revenge. But Irvine hasn't had it easy either. Shouldn't he be able to get his revenge too? Why does everybody think hurting or killing people will make you feel better? Whenever someone dies, someone will cry. Revenge or avenge, why make more people cry? It's a chain of people constantly killing to have revenge. Will it end?

If they kill Irvine, and I wanted revenge I'd kill them. And then, someone will avenge them and kill me. Then someone who cared for me will kill whoever murdered me. It doesn't end if we all want payback. If we all want it, but can't have it… then why should anyone get to have vengeance?

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Two chapters left! Come on people, I'm done writting itI just want my reviews beforeI post it!