A Courageous Stand


The moment the Ragnarok was back in the hanger of Garden, Seifer started heading for the main entrance. As he walked through the gates with the unconscious, Quistis immediately jumped out in front of him.

Squall, how is he? she cried with a worried tone.

Figures...the only person she's concerned about is Squall...

Where did you come from? I swear, at the blink of an eye, you're right there in front of me.

Quistis ignored his comments and eagerly peered over Seifer's shoulders to see Squall. The wounds seemed to have been afflicted from brutal attacks. She wondered who or what could have done something like this to him. Before she could ask questions, Selphie along with Irvine and Zell came rushing out of the elevator and ran.

Great...here comes rest of the crew.... Seifer muttered. Annoyed, he dropped the heavy body in front of the SeeDs for them to observe. It was the only thing they cared about anyway. It didn't matter to them whether or not he was fine or was injured as long as their precious' was ok.

Selphie scowled and exclaimed, Don't just drop him like that Seifer! He has so many wounds already!!

he countered. So what difference does one more make!?

Irvine stood up from examining Squall and turned to the fuming Ex-Knight. Hey, what's your problem?

My problem is all of you swarming over Squall like he's some GOD! I guess it really doesn't matter to you all if someone ELSE besides HIM is hurt too right? He spread his arms that was folded against his chest and exposed the torn material of his trench coat with blood stains on them. On his arms and shoulders were numerous cuts and bruises. This is the kind of attention I get for saving your Commander right?

Zell immediately retorted, You!? What ABOUT you!? How do we know that you're not the one who caused this! He rapidly punched one of his gloved fist into his hand.

Quistis quickly stepped in between the two men. Zell please! Seifer's right! He turned to him and said sincerely, I'm sorry Seifer. I see Squall's not the only one who's hurt. Come on, you better go to Dr. Kadowaki too! She gently placed a hand on his injured arm but he instantly pulled it back.

Save it Instructor. I can take care of myself. You better save your energy for lover boy there. I'm going to report to the Headmaster now. With that, he walked towards the elevator.

Once the door shut, Selphie shook her head. Forget him, we better get Squall to the Infirmary. She carefully lifted up his head while Zell and Irvine threw his arms over their shoulders and helped him stand up.

Oh god...Squall...how could this happen?

I'll tell you exactly what happened! I bet Seifer was the one who did this to him! He probably tried going after Rinoa himself and tried to kill Squall when he saw him. That bastard! Zell yelled angrily. This explains perfectly why he wasn't in Garden the whole time!

Zell that's enough, snapped Quistis. Even if what you said was true, he could have killed Squall knowing that he will always be his rival...but...he didn't. Look, none of this matters now.. We'll get to the bottom of this sooner or later. Right now, we have to make sure Squall gets medical treatment. Lets go. She quickly lead the way to the Infirmary. Dr. Kadowaki was startled when she heard urgent and fast footsteps but calmed down when she saw it was only Qustis.

Instructor Trepe. Is there a problem? she asked.

Doctor! We found Squall and he needs medical attention immediately or else it could be too late! She moved aside allowing Zell, Irvine, and Selphie to enter.

Oh my goodness! Dr. Kadowaki exclaimed and quickly walked up to observe the unconscious SeeD. His head limped weakly on Zell's shoulders as more blood trickled out from the corner of his mouth. This is very serious. Put him on the cot right there, she ordered.

Doctor...is he going to be OK? Selphie asked anxiously. God...there's so much blood...

I don't know...Selphie. I really don't know, Dr. Kadowaki admitted truthfully. But it's a good thing he was brought here as soon as possible. Any longer and I'm afraid it might have been too late.

Hyne...please let him be alright... The Instructor prayed to herself. She turned her head away, unable to look at the sight when the doctor stripped Squall's torn garments. She immediately bandaged the open cuts on his chest and arms to prevent even more blood loss.

I need all of you to please go outside while I work. I'll contact you immediately if I see a change in his condition...whether its for the better or the worst...

Selphie buried her face in her hands, trying to hide the hot tears that were seeping from her eyes. Zell placed an arm around her and tried to console her. It ok Seifie...he's going to be fine. He's strong...

Irvine glanced at the doctor expentantly. When do you think there's going to be in a change in his condition?

Like I said. I really don't know...it could take hours, days, weeks...but right now its important that you all leave so I can work.

Quisis nodded. I see...please take good care of him. She slipped her hand into Squalls and gripped it tightly. Be strong Squall...you have to fight through this... She kissed his bloody hand and reluctantly released it.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Seifer....will you please explain...just what happened exactly.

I told you already. I hitched a ride on the Ragnarok with him and when he got off heading for the Orphanage, he must have been attacked or something because when I got off, I found him on the ground unconscious. The Galbadians must have expected him. I really didn't see who attacked him but when I found him, I brought him back to Garden as quickly as possible, said Seifer casually. He knew it was a huge lie but they didn't have to know the truth. They didn't have to know anything and they would never know the truth unless Squall told them what really happened.

He smirked to himself. But what are the chances of that happening?

The Headmaster seemed skeptical about his statement and so did everyone else.

Zell slammed his fists angrily on the meeting table. Like hell that happened! Headmaster, you don't really believe what he's saying do you!? I mean, this is Seifer we're talking about. When was the last time we had ever trusted HIM!?

Zell does have a point, Irvine agreed. How do we really know this is the truth?

We don't, Cid stated simply. But we'll have to assume what Seifer said is the truth. I don't want to make false accusations. I'm just relieved and grateful that he saved Squall just in time...and that's what really matters. Seifer, I thank you.

I don't but this shit at all
Zell thought angrily and sat down.

You have really proven yourself out there as a true SeeD, Cid continued. For your honorable actions, I want you to take the position as the Commander of Garden until Squall recovers.

exclaimed everyone simultaneously.

You've gotta be kidding me! Zell yelled. HIM!? COMMANDER!?

Commander. That word echoed throughout his head. Not only has he achieved his goal of becoming a SeeD but a Commander? The highest position in Garden was now his. He couldn't believe it. For someone like him who was degraded to nothing to suddenly achieve one of the highest ranks was just too overwhelming, even for him and it was all thanks to a lie.

He deserves it Zell. Of course it isn't permanent but I do believe it is rather encouraging to him to have the position as the Commander. He turned to Seifer and with a smile, he said, "Congratulations...you are now the Commander of Garden until further notice on Squall.

Seifer couldn't help but grim. He enjoyed the sight of the SeeD's shocked expressions, especially Zell's. Nobody ever had any faith in him except for Rinoa. He savored every bit of the sweet victory. All the power he ever wanted rested in his hands now.

And it's all thanks to you my dear Squall...





Author's Notes: I know, its a short chapter but I really wanted to post something on Squall's birthday. I have a small cold right now so this is all I can write at the moment but I'll be sure to update again very shortly. Thank you all so much for reading and I cant believe this fic is going to break 400 reviews very soon! Thank you all so so much and lastly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SQUALL! 8/23