Chapter 8
The sun was beginning to set and it was almost time for the SeeD Ball. This was the time that a lot of people had been waiting for. Everyone would get dressed up and spend the night dancing and having fun at the SeeD Garden.
Cloud and Squall sat on the couch of Cloud's apartment and watched the news. Squall was dressed in his seed uniform while Cloud wore a nice blue suit and tie. Aeris and Rinoa were in Cloud's bathroom making some last minute preparations. Cloud looked down at his wristwatch.
"You think they are going to be done anytime soon? Geez it's almost time" said Cloud.
"You know women. The make up needs to be checked at least 10 times before checking it 10 times more" said Squall.
"I heard that and you're not funny" said Rinoa from the other room.
Cloud and Squall chuckled and continued to look at the news. Rick Rodney Rickenbaugh was giving a special report on the Square City Evening news.
"This morning the body of Don Corneo, a small time pimp from the Wall Market area, was found in the forest 15 miles east of Square City. Here is Sue Shillingsworth speaking with the lead investigator Aya Brea" said Rick Rodney Rickenbaugh
The camera then switched to Sue Shillingsworth and standing next to her was the lead investigator Aya Brea. Aya was an attractive young woman with shoulder length blonde hair. Aya was wearing a navy blue pant suit.
"This is Sue Shillingsworth and I'm here with lead investigator Aya Brea. Ms. Brea what can you tell us about this incident?" asked Sue as she put the microphone toward Aya's mouth.
"Well it appears that Don Corneo was killed by fiends out here. He was underdressed at the time of his death and the Don was well known for his sexually deviant behavior. We're starting to think that this was one of the Don's sexual escapades that went terribly wrong" said Aya.
"Geez what's wrong with people? What's wrong with having sex the old fashioned way? Why do you need to have all this freaky stuff like fiends eating you involved in it?" asked Squall.
"People are weird" said Cloud.
Rick Rodney Rickenbaugh continued to report the news.
"Square City officials are preparing to host the first ever Gaia Summit. An assembly of several nations around the globe that…" Cloud turned off the TV because Rinoa and Aeris were finally ready.
"What do you think?" asked Rinoa as she modeled her look.
She looked stunning in a white dress that fit her slender body perfectly. (a/n the one she wore in the ff8 ball)
"Wow…" said Squall as he got up from the couch and walked over to Rinoa
"Sounds like someone is impressed" said Rinoa as she put her arms around Squall's neck.
Rinoa gave Squall a small kiss on the lips. Aeris was wearing a red dress. (same dress from ff7 wall market)
"I'm ready Cloud!" said Aeris.
Cloud got up and took a closer look at Aeris. Aeris turned around a few times and modeled her dress for Cloud.
"What do you think?" asked Aeris.
"You look incredible" said Cloud.
"Awww…" Aeris hugged Cloud.
"Well shall we get going?" asked Cloud.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Selphie said something about a big surprise. I can't wait to see what it is" said Rinoa.
"Tee hee" laughed Aeris under her breath.
"Aeris do you know something?" asked Cloud.
"My lips are sealed" laughed Aeris.
"Well anyway let's head out" said Squall.
The four of them left Cloud's apartment and got into Squall's car. The four of them chatted a bit during the ride to the Seed's Garden.
"Squall did you ever find out who Zell's date is?" asked Rinoa.
"Nope. He's been really secretive about the whole thing" said Squall.
"Zell can be weird sometimes" said Aeris.
(Next Scene)
"Ugh she's late" said Zell as he paced back and forth. Zell's date was supposed to meet him at Square Park in a limo about an half hour ago
Zell stood near a statue on the outskirts of Square park. It was of a bearded man with a cloak over his head and a sword at his side. The plaque on the base of the statue read "Cidolfas Orlandu – the god of Thunder rends his foes asunder"
Zell was getting really nervous now. He leaned on the statue and crossed his arms as he tried to be patient. Soon an old man with a long beard and glasses walked up. He wore green robes and a strange pointed hat. He looked at the statue for a moment then looked at Zell and spoke.
"Hello young man" the old man had a voice that was calm and peaceful. It was the voice of a man that had many stories to tell.
"Hey" said Zell. He was still preoccupied with his situation and didn't really look at the man.
"I am Maechen. I'm a historian. What is your name?" said Maechen.
"I'm Zell and umm I'm a SeeD"
"Ah you're a SeeD. They are a noble group of warriors. What better place for you to stand but next to the statue of Orlandu himself…..would you like to hear a story?"
Zell was not in the mood for a story he had other things on his mind.
"Umm not really sir I'm waiting for…" Zell was interrupted by Maechen.
"Long ago in the land of Ivalice a war erupted. It was a war that involved several factions struggling for power…" Maechen started the story as he looked up at the statue.
"Actually I don't really want to hear this story I'm…." Zell was interrupted again as Maechen continued the story.
"On the surface it seemed as though the struggle was between the Hokuten Knights led by the Beoulve family and the Nanten led by Orlandu but there were many other corrupt groups that wanted power including the church…"
"Umm sir?" Zell tried to cut in but Maechen continued.
"One man stood up for what was right. He was Ramza and his statue stands in the middle of this park. This man, Cidolfas Orlandu was one that stood with Ramza…
Zell just sighed because he couldn't get him to shut up. Soon Zell saw a black limousine approaching up the street.
"It's her finally!" said Zell.
Maechen continued telling the story as the limo approached. The limo pulled up beside Zell and a man wearing a black suit got out and opened the back door for Zell.
"The princess awaits you" said the man in the black suit.
Zell hopped in the limo's back seat.
"Sorry Zell I'm running a little late!" said Zell's date from inside the car.
"It's ok lets just go" said Zell.
The limo pulled off and made its way toward the SeeD Garden. Meanwhile Maechen was finally finishing his story.
"…and that is why they call him Thunder God Cid….would you like to hear the story again?...young man?...young man?"
Maechen looked around for Zell but he didn't notice that Zell took off in the limousine a few minutes earlier.
"Ah oh well….I would like to hear the story again…. Long ago in the land of Ivalice a war erupted. It was a war that involved several factions struggling for power…." said Maechen as he continued the story by himself.
(Next Scene)
"Oh no this isn't happening!" thought Selphie as she hung up her cell phone.
The ball was well underway in the Garden Ballroom. Several people were there dancing, talking, and having a good time. On the stage a band played soft music.
"What's wrong Selphie? You look stressed" said Irvine as he walked up.
Irvine wore his SeeD uniforms while Selphie wore a yellow dress. Irvine still wore his cowboy hat though. Irvine put his arm around Selphie.
"Don't mention this to anyone ok?"
"Ok" said Irvine.
"I've been trying to get Lenne to come and do a surprise performance. I was just on the phone with her people and they said she might not be able to make it. She's tied up somewhere. sigh I'm glad I only told one other person about this because if I had have told everyone she was coming then I would really look like a fool now" said Selphie.
"Selphie it's ok. I mean it'll be ok. You know these celebrities. They have to come late and make an entrance that's all….even if she doesn't show up this ball is going so perfect anyway" said Irvine.
"You think so?" asked Selphie.
"Yeah! Look at everyone they're having a ball! No pun intended…" said Irvine.
Selphie giggled.
"You did a great job setting this ball up and its going perfectly. So cheer up and let's go have a good time ok? You know I hate to see you down" said Irvine.
"Thanks Irvie. You know you seem to have changed a bit over the past few weeks" said Selphie.
"You like?"
"Yeah" said Selphie as she kissed Irvine on the cheek"
She looked up at him and smiled. Irvine took his hat off and put it on Selphie's head.
"May I have this dance?" asked Irvine
Selphie smiled and the two went off to the dance floor.
(Next Scene)
Quistis sat dressed in a pink dress at a table with Nida her date. Quistis let her hair down for the ball. Not many people knew how long her hair really was because she always kept it pinned up. Nida was a fairly tall brown haired young man who was dressed in a SeeD uniform like all the other male SeeDs. Nida and Quistis were just friends who decided to go to the ball together so they wouldn't be without dates.
"Want me to go get you something to drink?" asked Nida.
"Sure" said Quistis.
Nida got up and went over to the drink table.
Quistis was having a good time but she kept thinking about Vincent every now and then…ok so she thought about him the whole time. She and Vincent had become close. He started to show more emotion each time they talked which made Quistis attracted to him even more. It was just a feeling she couldn't explain. She often wondered if they could ever be together. He did say that his powers were slowly draining so she wondered if there was a chance that maybe…just maybe he could return to a normal human being and then they could be together.
"Stop being silly" thought Quistis
"Hey Quisty!" said Rinoa as she and Aeris walked up.
"Oh look at that dress!" yelled Quistis as she got up and hugged Rinoa.
"You let your hair down! It looks great!" screamed Rinoa.
Quistis looked at Aeris's dress and got excited over hers as well. The three young women began talking fast to each other.
"What language is this?" asked Cloud.
"I think that's girl talk" said Squall.
Quistis looked across the room. Tifa and her date Rude had finally arrived at the ball.
"Oh Tifa! You look wonderful!" yelled Quistis as she walked over.
Tifa walked up wearing a lovely blue dress ( much like the one from ff7 wall market) Next to Tifa was the very tall and handsome Rude who wore a black tuxedo and black shades even on the inside.
"Wow look at Tifa's date" said Aeris not meaning to say that out loud.
Cloud looked at Aeris with a blank stare.
"Umm heh heh err if you like that…sort of guy…" smiled Aeris.
"Thanks Quistis! You're looking fabulous." said Tifa.
Cloud, Aeris, Rinoa, Squall, Quistis, Tifa, and Rude stood near each other.
"Hey Everybody" said Tifa to the whole group.
"Hey Tifa! You look great" said Aeris.
"Hey" said Cloud as he eyed Rude.
"Tifa looking good" said Squall.
"Tifa you look wonderful" said Rinoa.
Soon Nida came back with Quistis's drink.
"Here ya go" said Nida.
"Thank you so much" said Quistis as she took a sip from the cup.
"Oh everyone let me introduce you to Rude" said Tifa as she got close to Rude. Rude put his arm around Tifa.
"Don't let the name fool you. I'm actually pretty polite" laughed Rude.
Everyone laughed a bit except for Cloud.
"I wonder how many time's he's used that tired joke?" whispered Cloud to Squall.
"Jealous much?" whispered Squall
"No it's just…who is this guy anyway?" whispered Cloud
"Oh come on. You moved on to Aeris did you really expect Tifa to not move on as well?" whispered Squall.
"This guy seems shady" thought Cloud.
Tifa went on to introduce Rude to everyone.
"This is Quistis she's a high ranking SeeD officer and instructor, that's her date Nida. He's an excellent pilot." said Tifa.
Hey" said Nida.
"Nice to meet you" said Quistis
"Like wise" said Rude.
"That's Squall the SeeD commander and his girlfriend Rinoa" continued Tifa.
"Hi" said Squall
"Hello" smiled Rinoa.
"…and this is Cloud and his date Aeris. Cloud wants to join SOLDIER Rude. Oh everyone Rude works for Shinra"
"The Turks" said Rude proudly.
"Impressive" said Squall.
"The Turks? Isn't that who Vincent worked for? Should Tifa be dating this guy? They are the ones that set Vincent up…." thought Quistis.
"So you want to join SOLDIER Cloud?" asked Rude.
"Yep.."
Rude got a little closer to Cloud. He was almost a foot taller than Cloud. He looked down on him a little.
"You're a little guy…you sure you're cut out for SOLDIER?" laughed Rude.
"That's funny…I thought you said not to be fooled by the name…." said Cloud as he stared back at Rude.
"Aww sorry I struck a nerve. I was only kidding don't take it the wrong way pal" said Rude as he patted Cloud on the shoulder. He actually patted him rather hard.
"No I'm not taking it the wrong way…pal…nice shades by the way…should protect your eyes from all the sun in this ballroom" said Cloud sarcastically as he patted Rude back.
The atmosphere had gotten a little uncomfortable for everyone that was standing there. Luckily this tiny stand off was interrupted by a person yelling in the distance.
"Zell just pulled up in a limousine with his date!" yelled the person.
"What is Zell up too? said Squall.
After a few moment's Zell entered the ballroom dressed in his SeeD uniform. On his arm was a very very beautiful blonde young woman. She wore a diamond tiara on her head and her white dress was flowing very elegantly. All eyes were on Zell as he and his date entered. Zell and his date smiled brightly.
"Oh my god…that girl…that's Princess Marle of Guardia! I've seen her in magazines!" yelled Aeris.
"Whoa" said Squall.
"Way to go Zell" said Rinoa.
"I'm glad Chrono was ok with this" said Zell to Princess Marle.
"I told you he would be. He's not the jealous type. Wow this ball looks really lovely" said Marle.
"Yeah, what do you want to do first?" asked Zell.
"I want to dance!" said Marle.
Marle pulled Zell on to the dance floor.
"Whoa!" yelled Zell
"Well let's take a cue from Zell and his date and go dance" said Aeris as she grabbed Cloud.
Soon each of the girls grabbed their respective dates and proceeded to the dance floor.
(Next Scene)
Outside of the SeeD Garden Seifer, Fujin, and Raijin stood.
"Ready to surprise our old friends?" asked Seifer.
"Yeah let's show them how to party ya know?" said Raijin
"AFFIRMATIVE" said Fujin.
"We can't get into the front gate anymore since they kicked us out. So we have to go over the wall….Float!"
Seifer cast Float on himself and Fujin and Raijin. Soon the three floated over the stone wall surrounding the Garden.
"Piece of cake" said Seifer as he landed on the other side of the wall.
Seifer ushered his posse on and the three snuck their way into the Garden.
"The place hasn't changed much" said Seifer as he looked around the Garden.
The SeeD's Garden was a very large building. The main area was circular shaped with corridors that led to several different areas. The place was empty because pretty much everyone was at the SeeD ball. The three headed to the ball room. Music and laughter could be heard as they entered. Several people recognized Seifer, Fujin, and Raijin as they entered and were shocked to see them.
"What are you looking at?" said Seifer as he pushed his way through the crowd.
"Yeah give the man some space ya know?" said Raijin.
"MOVE" said Fujin.
Seifer saw Squall and Rinoa dancing in the distance. They were laughing and having a good time together. Seifer just couldn't resist going over there and ruining their fun.
"It's a party going on and you guys didn't invite me! I'm hurt!" said Seifer as he walked up.
"Seifer what the hell are you doing here?" asked Squall.
"Oh no Seifer go away…" said Rinoa.
Soon Cloud, Aeris, Selphie, Irvine, Zell and Marle walked up when they saw Seifer and his cronies.
"Seifer get out of here now! This ball is going nice and I'm going to kill you if you mess it up!" yelled Selphie. Irvine's hat slumped over her eyes.
Irvine had to hold her down because Selphie looked like she was going to hit Seifer.
"Calm down Selphie" said Irvine.
"Whatever you say messenger girl" laughed Seifer.
"Who is he?" asked Marle.
"He and those other two were in SeeD but they got kicked out for disorderly conduct. They're a bunch of trouble makers" said Zell.
"Yeah they are really trying to mess up everyone's fun" said Marle.
"Isn't this nice? Everyones all dressed up" said Seifer looking around.
"Heh yeah Seifer they look really nice ya know?" laughed Raijin as he crossed his arms.
"SPLENDID" said Fujin.
"Looking good Rinoa maybe after you're done with that SeeD loser then we can get together sometime….just like old times" said Seifer
Squall simply stared at Seifer.
"Squall please don't fight" said Rinoa.
"He isn't worth it man" said Cloud.
"Did I strike a nerve? You got something on your mind Squall? Don't be mad because I had your girl" laughed Seifer.
"Seifer…god you're such an ass!" yelled Rinoa.
"C'mon baby you know you liked it with me…" said Seifer.
Squall walked toward Seifer.
"Squall!" yelled Rinoa.
"What you gonna do chickenwuss? You wanna settle this right here?" laughed Seifer staring down Squall.
Squall looked at Seifer for a moment then began laughing.
"Ya know Seifer…I can't even believe you used to make me angry. I'm not even angry with you anymore. In fact I feel sorry for you" laughed Squall.
"What the hell are you babbling about chickenwuss?" asked Seifer.
"Chickenwuss? Is that all you know how to say? You're pathetic. You claim to hate SeeD but you snuck in here anyway. You got kicked out of SeeD, you don't have a steady job. All you do is hang out in bars. Yeah, you did have a brief relationship with Rinoa but look at you now. You're stuck with a guy who can't say a sentence without saying "ya know" at the end and a one eyed girl that can only make one word sentences. All you can do is bring up how you HAD a relationship with Rinoa last summer because that's probably the best thing that's ever happened in your sad, pathetic excuse for a life. Well at least you had something good because Hyne knows you….you suck now"
Squall turned around and walked away from Seifer. When he got close to Rinoa he put his arm around her. Rinoa smiled at him and they went back to dancing and ignoring Seifer
"Wow you got told!" laughed Marle.
"Yeah Seifer I think it's best if you just go. Seriously don't ruin everyone's fun" said Irvine.
"Whatever….let's let these kiddies get on with their little ball. I got better things to do…" said Seifer trying to pretend like Squall's words didn't get to him.
"Yeah you have better things to do….I guess that's why you snuck in here…" said Aeris sarcastically.
Seifer just walked away.
"Yeah let's go. Hey I don't really talk like that ya know?...aww crap" said Raijin.
Seifer and his posse left. Soon everyone went back to dancing and having a good time.
"Squall I'm so proud that you didn't let him get to you" said Rinoa.
She smiled brightly at Squall. Squall didn't say anything he just smiled back.
"You really told him Squall. He couldn't say anything after what you said because it's all true" said Aeris.
"Wow Squall
said "you suck!" I've never heard him say that!
said Cloud.
Aeris looked at Cloud with a blank stare.
"err…yeah you told him Squall" said Cloud.
(Next Scene)
The ball went on for about two more hours. Everyone danced with their dates and for the most part had a good time. Irvine and Selphie were tired from dancing so hard. They got off the dance floor and sat at a table.
"Phew I need a break!" said Selphie still wearing Irvine's cowboy hat.
"Yeah me too" said Irvine.
Beep Beep
"That's my cell" said Selphie as she answered her cell phone.
"Yeah…uh huh…uh huh…Great!" yelled Selphie.
Selphie hung up the phone and grabbed Irvine.
"What?"
"Come on!" said Selphie as she pulled Irvine.
The two of them left the ball room and went to the parking lot.
"Was that Lenne's people on the phone?" asked Irvine.
"Yes! She's here" yelled Selphie excitedly.
Selphie looked around the parking lot. After a few moments a black limousine pulled into the parking lot.
"It's her!" yelled Selphie.
The limousine pulled up and stopped near Selphie and Irvine. Suddenly the rear window rolled down and inside was Lenne. She had a big smile on her face. She was lovely with long brown hair.
"I'm so sorry to be late" said Lenne.
"Oh better late than never! We have to get you in through the side entrance. We don't want anyone to see you and go blabbing it like they did Zell's date.
"Ok" said Lenne.
Lenne's limousine then pulled around to the side of the Garden.
"Irvine will you help me introduce her?" asked Selphie.
"Yeah of course" said Irvine.
Irvine grabbed Selphie's hand and the two ran back into the Garden and into the ballroom. Inside everyone was still dancing and having a good time. Selphie and Irvine got on stage and told the band to stop the music. When the music stopped Selphie was finally able to get everyone's attention.
"Everyone! I'm sorry but we need your attention!" said Selphie.
"Everybody we have a very special surprise" said Irvine.
"A very special guest" said Selphie.
"It's our pleasure to introduce to you all" said Irvine
"Lenne!" yelled Irvine and Selphie together.
Lenne walked out to the center stage and everyone at the ball went wild. Lenne gave Selphie a hug then hugged Irvine. They then left the stage so Lenne could do her thing.
"Hello how's everybody doing?" asked Lenne in a sweet soft tone.
Lenne wore a purple skirt and top that was beautiful ( the songstress dress from ffx2)
"Marry me Lenne!" yelled some random guy in the audience.
Lenne giggled a bit.
"Well I want to share with you all a new song of mine that's going to be on the next album. Well actually it's not really a new song. It's actually a song of mine that I've had for a very long time. It was inspired by a person who was very dear to me but he is no longer with us. I believed that it was time to share this beautiful song with the world. This is the first time this song has been performed. This song is called 1000 words and I hope you enjoy it.
(A/n Lenne's singing will be done in italics. Think of her song as going on in the background as I describe the events)
With that a soft slow melody began to play. Couples began pairing off and getting close to dance slow and romantic. Lenne began to sing. Her voice was like that of an angel.
I know that you're hiding things
Using gentle words to shelter me
Your words were like a dream
But dreams could never fool me
Not that easily
Irvine held Selphie close. She rested her head on his shoulder. Irvine had been having such deep emotions for Selphie for so long. So long that he couldn't really remember a time when she didn't have a big space in his heart. Selphie cared for him as well. She always loved how he could cheer her up so easily. However she didn't like the ladies man routine that he often tried to show people but now Irvine seemed different. He was changing and showing that he had interest in only Selphie. Selphie looked up into Irvine's eyes and smiled brightly. The over sized cowboy hat slumped a little over her eyes and the two of them giggled.
I acted so distant then
Didn't say goodbye before you left
But I was listening
You'll fight your battles far from me
Far too easily
Rinoa and Squall stared in each others eyes as they danced slowly to the music. Rinoa and Squall had been through their fair share of ups and downs. Squall used to have a hard time expressing his feelings but through his relationship with Rinoa he learned that it's ok to show emotion and that it's ok to love and let yourself be loved. Rinoa loved Squall for the trustworthy, noble, generous person that he is. Although he would rarely let it show she always knew that his rough exterior housed a sensitive caring interior. Squall had been so good to her and there was nothing she regretted more than her brief affair with Seifer. Through it all Squall and Rinoa were still together. So it was meant to be.
"Save your tears cause I'll come back"
I could hear that you whispered as you walked through that door
But still I swore
To hide the pain when I turn back the pages
Shouting might have been the answer
What if I'd cried my eyes out and begged you not to depart
But now I'm not afraid to say what's in my heart
Quistis danced with her date Nida but her mind was elsewhere. For weeks she tried to sort out and explain to herself her feelings for Vincent. Quistis had always been a very rational and mature person. The feelings for Vincent seemed very irrational and it bothered her. Deep down she knew that it could never work between her and Vincent but even still there was a part of her that hoped. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't get rid of those feelings.
And a thousand words
One thousand confessions
Will cradle you
Making all of the pain you feel seem far away
They'll hold you forever
Aeris and Cloud danced closely. The relationship between Cloud, Aeris and Tifa had always been somewhat of an unspoken love triangle although none of them would ever admit it. Cloud cared about Aeris but deep down he still had feelings for Tifa. Tifa just wants to be friends though. Aeris is such a wonderful, beautiful person but every now and then Cloud would think of Tifa. He couldn't help but feel funny when he saw Tifa with Rude. What is this feeling? Aeris liked Cloud for a long time. In some ways he reminded her of an old boyfriend of hers…Zack. She liked Cloud very much but every now and then she would think of Zack.
The dream isn't over yet
Though I often say I can't forget
I still relive that day
"You've been there with me all the way"
I still hear you say
Tifa and Rude smiled at each other. Tifa liked Rude because he was so fun to be around. He always made her laugh and smile. Tifa broke off a relationship with Cloud a while back. She just wanted to be friends with Cloud or did she? Maybe she was just afraid…of taking a risk? Either way she felt like she needed to move on. Tifa still didn't know a lot about Rude. Could Rude be the one for her or is he as good as he tries to present himself?...
Wait for me I'll write you letters"
I could see how you stammered with your eyes to the floor
But still I swore to hide the doubt
When I turn back the pages
Anger might have been the answer
What if I'd hung my head and said that I couldn't wait
But now I'm strong enough to know it's not too late
Zell was having a good time with his date Marle. How many guys could say they got to go on a date with a real princess? Although she and Zell were not romantically involved Zell was having a fun time nonetheless. Zell saved her life along with her boyfriend Chrono when he went on a mission to Guardia a while back. People usually view Zell as somewhat strange and because of that he couldn't really find a date for the ball in SeeD. Sometimes Zell wishes he could find that special someone….
Cause a thousand words
Call out through the ages
They'll fly to you
Even though we can't see I know they're reaching you
Suspended on silver wings
Oh a thousand words
One thousand embraces
Will cradle you
Making all of your weary days seem far away
They'll hold you forever
The SeeD ball went on well. After Lenne's song the band went back playing and everyone continued to dance and have fun. Headmaster Cid along with his wife Headmistress Edea thanked Lenne for coming.
"Lady Lenne it was a pleasure having you as a guest here at the Garden. Your musical talent is far greater than I ever imagined" said the Headmistress.
"We really appreciate you coming" said the Headmaster.
"Thank you very much. This was fun" said Lenne.
Just then a few people both men and women walked up to get Lenne's autograph. She patiently signed each of their papers and took several pictures. Lenne was always known to be very friendly to her fans. It was getting late and it was about time for the SeeD ball to end so several people started to leave.
(Next Scene)
"Selphie do you need help cleaning up?" asked Aeris.
"No Aeris it's ok. Quistis, Irvine and me can handle it. You go on with Cloud" said Selphie.
"You can take all this down by yourselves?" asked Aeris.
"Sure it's not nearly as much work as putting it all up and whatever we don't get to tonight we can get in the morning" said Selphie.
"Ok well this was really great Selphie it really went well" said Aeris.
"Yeah this was a lot of fun" said Cloud as he walked up.
"Thanks I'm so glad everything went well" said Selphie
"Well Squall and Rinoa are in the car waiting" said Cloud.
Aeris and Cloud said goodbye and left. Pretty soon everyone had left the ballroom except for Selphie, Irvine, and Quistis who stayed behind to clean up a bit.
"Let's not worry about trying to get everything guys. We can get everything else in the morning let's just start with the table decorations" said Selphie as she started taking decorations off the tables and putting them in a large box.
"I'm so glad everything went well. It's not often that we get to let loose like this" said Quistis as she took down decorations.
"I told you everything was going to be fine" said Irvine as he smiled at Selphie. Selphie had finally given him his hat back.
"Lenne made it even better. She is such a sweet person" said Selphie.
"What about Zell? He had a lot of eyes on him when he showed up with Princess Marle" said Irvine.
"How does Zell know Princess Marle?" asked Quistis.
"He told me he met her when he was sent on a mission to Guardia a while back. He didn't have time to tell me the whole story so I guess I'll get it from him later" said Irvine.
The three of them continued to work on taking the decorations down for a bit.
(Next Scene)
"Did you have fun?" asked Tifa.
"It was a blast" said Rude as he drove.
"You never told me you were such a great dancer" said Tifa.
"I'm just full of suprises" laughed Rude.
Tifa smiled.
"You have some pretty interesting friends" said Rude.
"Yeah…" said Tifa.
"That Cloud guy…he's an old boyfriend?" asked Rude.
"What makes you ask that?" asked Tifa.
"I don't know…I just got that vibe" said Rude.
"Well not officially…" answered Tifa.
"I see…well he missed out on something great" said Rude.
Tifa blushed a bit.
Rude's car slowly approached Tifa's apartment building.
"Want to come up for a bit?" asked Tifa as Rude parked the car.
"Sure"
Tifa and Rude got out of the car and went into the apartment building. Not far away Squall was dropping Cloud and Aeris off at the same building.
"Oh look there goes Tifa and her new boyfriend" said Aeris.
"Yeah…" said Cloud softly.
Tifa turned on the light as she opened the door to her apartment.
"I'll go make some coffe…" Tifa was interrupted by Rude as he grabbed her and kissed her.
Tifa was stunned but it was a pleasant kind of confusion. She put her arms around Rude's neck.
"Wow coffee makes you that excited?" laughed Tifa.
"Sorry, I've been holding that back all night" said Rude.
"No don't apologize. I liked it" said Tifa.
Tifa and Rude continued to kiss passionately in the doorway. Tifa simply pushed the door shut.
(Next Scene)
"That was awesome Zell! I can't believe Lenne showed up" said Marle.
Marle and Zell sat in the backseat of a limo.
"Yeah I had a blast" said Zell.
"I'm glad you asked me but….why didn't you ask one of the girls from SeeD?" asked Marle.
"I dunno…a lot of them already have boyfriends or they just think I'm weird…" said Zell.
"Weird?" asked Marle.
"Yeah, I dunno I feel like people think I'm kind of odd sometimes. It's hard for me to talk to the girls around here" said Zell.
"Zell you're not weird you're unique" said Marle.
"Unique?"
"Yeah, you're unique. You're different and that's what makes you cool and dateable. Embrace being who you are and don't ever change. You're going to meet a girl that's going to see and appreciate your uniqueness" said Marle as she patted Zell on the shoulder.
"You think so?" asked Zell.
"I know it" smiled Marle.
"Thanks Marle"
"No problem Zell….oh man Chrono is going to flip when I tell him Lenne showed up…"
"Marle does Chrono even talk?" asked Zell
"He does. Just not in words"
(Next Scene)
Yuna and Tidus were walking down the street after hanging out for the night. They carried on a conversation and laughed having a good time as they walked. Lenne's limo approached as they walked on. Lenne looked out of the dark tinted glass window and saw Tidus.
"That boy…he looks like…driver stop the car" said Lenne.
"Yes ma'am" said the driver as he stopped the limo and pulled over.
The limo stopped a few feet in front of Yuna and Tidus. They could not see who was inside the limo because of the dark tinted windows.
"You think it's someone famous inside?" asked Tidus.
"That would be something…" said Yuna as she and Tidus continued on.
"He looks just like…Shuyin…" said Lenne slowly.
Tears began to form in Lenne's eyes.
"Let's just go" said Lenne.
The limo pulled off and continued down the street.
Lenne looked back at Tidus and the tears began to roll down her cheek.
"Shuyin…"
(Next Scene)
Seifer and his posse wandered down the street. Squall's words actually got to him. Inside Seifer was like a raging inferno. He hated the SeeDs, especially Squall. Seifer had dreams of power and prestige. One day he would become powerful and important then he would have the last laugh.
"So Seifer? What we gonna do now?" asked Raijin.
"Ugh, I don't know man can't you think for yourself? yelled Seifer angrily.
"Yo Seifer chill man we're posse ya know? Don't be mad." said Raijin.
"sigh I just want to be alone for a bit. I'll meet you two back at the apartment" said Seifer.
"Ok Seifer later" said Raijin.
"BYE" said Fujin
Raijin and Fujin left Seifer and he continued down the street. Seifer put his hands in his trenchcoat pockets and thought. He thought about the time when Rinoa came to him because she was upset about Squall.
(Flashback)
Seifer sat on the couch of his ratty apartment watching television. He wore a white tanktop and his bare feet stretched across the coffee table. Beer cans, fast food boxes, and several dirty clothes were strewn all over the place. Calling Seifer's apartment a pig sty would be a compliment…pigs aren't that messy.
Raijin and Fujin were out working some of the temporary jobs that none of them could keep. All three of them simply worked enough just to get by. As long as they had enough money for drinks they were ok. Seifer sat and watched the Cait Sith Comedy Hour on television. Cait Sith, the strange black cat riding a large moogle, told a few jokes.
"Why do fiends drop gil when you kill them? What's a naked animal doing with money? Is there a secret store for fiends that we just don't know about where they can spend the cash? What would they buy? They're certainly not buying clothes! Where do they keep the money? They don't have any pockets! " said Cait Sith.
"Har Har Har that's so true!" laughed Seifer
Suddenly Seifer heard a knock on his door. He got up from the couch and walked to the door. After opening it he saw Rinoa standing there. She was crying.
"Rinoa what's wrong?" said Seifer.
"Squall is being such a jerk!" said Rinoa with tear filled eyes as she walked in.
She sat on the couch and covered her face as she continued to cry. Seifer shut the door and sat down beside her.
"What happened this time?" asked Seifer.
"He is just so cold sometimes. Whenever I try to get close to him all he can say is "whatever". It's over with me and him now" said Rinoa.
Seifer put his arm around Rinoa to comfort her.
"Listen I know Squall. He's part of the reason why I quit SeeD. The SeeD's are a bunch of jerks that have their heads stuck up their own asses. You don't need a guy like him. If he can't appreciate you then forget him" said Seifer.
"I guess you're right" said Rinoa.
She had stopped crying a little. It felt good to have someone comfort and support her. She felt as though Squall would rarely do that for her. She felt safe and secure at that moment with Seifer. She leaned her head on his shoulder as he embraced her.
"You'll be ok" said Seifer.
Rinoa looked up at Seifer. Soon the two of them started kissing passionately. Rinoa didn't know why she was doing this. Maybe it was because she was vulnerable or because she felt secure…or maybe it was to hurt Squall by running to his enemy. Seifer began unbuttoning Rinoa's blouse and she began pulling off his white tank top. Seifer and Rinoa continued to kiss. Seifer's shirt was off now and Rinoa ran her hands across Seifer's pecks as they kissed.
"Let's go to your room" said Rinoa.
Seifer picked up Rinoa and carried her off to his bedroom.
(End Flashback)
Seifer was furious as he walked down the street and thought back on that.
"She used me. She never cared. I was just convenient for her until she got back with Squall" said Seifer angrily.
Seifer kicked a trash can into the street.
"Now she's all smug with Squall since he became SeeD commander and looks at me like I'm some gutter trash! She'll be sorry too!" yelled Seifer out loud.
Little did Seifer know that he was being watched. Out of nowhere the voice of a female spoke to Seifter
"So much anger in you"
"What! who's there?" asked Seifer somewhat startled. He turned around to see a woman standing behind him. Seifer was somewhat startled because it seemed that the woman appeared out of nowhere.
The woman was fairly tall and slender and she wore purple gown that showed a lot of cleavage. She wore a lot of make up and her nails were extreme long which could be seen as she twirled them through her long blonde hair.
"Where'd you come from?" asked Seifer nervously.
The woman simply smiled and laughed.
"You're too good for those Kursed SeeDs" said the woman in a strange accent.
"What?"
"You're powerful and noble like a knight. I'll help you crush the ones that mocked you Seifer" continued the woman.
"How do you know me?" said Seifer.
The woman walked up to Seifer and got really close. Seifer couldn't make him self move. It was as if he was paralyzed. She ran her fingernails softly down his cheeks.
"I am Ultimecia….and I like you Seifer. We will meet again….soon" said the woman.
In an instant Ultimecia vanished and Seifer was standing on the sidewalk alone again.
"What the hell….damn I need to stop drinking!" said Seifer as he held his head in shock.
(Next Scene)
Quistis entered her apartment. It was late and she had been helping Selphie clean up a bit after the ball. She had asked Vincent to come by because she wanted to tell him all about how the ball went. Quistis kicked off her high heels and walked barefoot into her bedroom. She walked up to the bedroom window and looked out. All of a sudden she heard a voice behind her.
"Expecting company?"
"What the…" Quistis turned around to see Shadow standing there.
"Oh my god!..."
Before Quistis could react, Shadow sprayed her with some strange gas that caused her to faint.
"Oooo I…" Quistis slumped down and Shadow grabbed her before she hit the ground.
"Nothing personal I'm just doing my job" said Shadow.
Shadow picked up Quistis and put her over his shoulder. He then pulled out a note and left it on the bed.
"We have the bait now we wait for the prey to take it" said Shadow.
(End Chapter 8)
Well that was the SeeD ball. I hope you enjoyed reading it and that it was everything you hoped it would be. The reporters in the beginning of the chapter were my original characters from other stories and the lead investigator was Aya Brea from Parasite Eve. You might remember Quistis's date Nida as the pilot of Balamb Garden in FF8. The long winded old man bothering Zell was Maechen from FFX. The statue in the park was Orlandu from Final Fantasy Tacticsand Zell's date was none other than Princess Marle from Chrono Trigger! Lenne from FFX-2 sang at the ball, Cait Sith told a few jokes and Ultimecia made her appearance. There's so much I want to do with this story I feel like it's just getting warmed up. This was the longest chapter so far. Quistis has been kidnapped so you should check back and see what happens next. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the reviews and the fact that you all are liking this story. I'm writing this story after about a year and a half of writers block and bombed fics...
Edit: had to take out the review response because they are now against rules.