Disclaimer: all FF8 characters belong to the one n only square-enix! hail!

Author's note: - lol. I do realize how frightening Cid may seem to you all in the previous chapter… kind of out-of-character for him. Therefore, here is my "attempt" to redeem him.

Chapter 2

HEADMASTER OFFICE – an hour later

The headmaster office had now been relocated to the left of the 3rd floor elevator. It is decorated with splendid furniture of the east by the best interior designer of Galbadia. Every piece of decors yelled out 'power' in the most majestic way – the red carpets, the grand mahogany table with the Renaissance-styled chairs. Behind the headmaster's grand chair is a big widescreen glass window which is said to be 'missile-proof'. Beyond the glass window is a splendid view of the quad and what ever lies beyond, at the moment, it is the beautiful beach of Balamb.

Headmaster Cid entered his office, shaking his head in disappointment and sighed. He slowly reclined into his mahogany chair and closed his eyes, thinking about the confrontation with his two commanders. All the reports spread about on his desk. He opened his eyes and picked up the latest one.

'10 killed… 21 injured… 4 attackers… blonde hair, green eyes…' He signed in frustration before throwing the file on the floor.

"A bit moody today aren't we?" a soft soothing voice intruded. Cid Kramer looked up to see his wife, Edea smiling down at him.

"I'm sorry dear, I'm just a little tired." He replied pulling her towards him by the hand and hugging her around her waist.

"I heard your wailing even from inside the elevator." Edea chuckled, touching his hair lovingly.

"I wasn't wailing…" Cid protested. "It's just that… we've never been this clueless before…"

"Still… I don't appreciate you shouting at our children like that." Edea retorted. "It isn't their fault. You know that Squall and Quisty had been fully on the case ever since it started. They are probably just as concern as you are on these incidents."

"I know, dear." He sighed, hugging her closer to himself. "I'm sorry… I know it isn't their fault; I was just a little frustrated. But you know that there's nobody that I would trust more than our children, which reminds me…"

The ex-sorceress looked down to her husband. "In the report, a man gave us a description of one of the attackers. The description, strangely enough, seems to fit that of Seifer…"

"But that is impossible! Seifer wouldn't!" Edea protested.

"It is not entirely impossible, Edea."

"I trust my child."

Cid signed in resignation. "Trust me Edea that is also I would want to believe…"

"Then believe…" she pulled away from him.

"Until we've got him, we can't know."

"Promise me you'll give him a chance to explain himself." She looked at him sternly.

"Alright." He sighed. "I promise."

A/N: ahhh… another chapter down -- sorry for the long break… got a bit of a writer's block… haven't been getting enough reviews v.v heheh… I know that this chapter is real short… all of them are short actually… but I'm in the middle of the IB diploma -.-" – however… from the last review I've received – I'm determined to finish this story! --- it just might take a while… I know the English still sucks… but bear with me… thanks for reading -- n please review! (I live by reviews!)