Gullwing Yunie, thank you for pointing that out. The dividers in my original didn't transfer into the posted document. I'll have to remember.
InsanityCreator and ShadowdLynx, thanks for your encouragement.
Klyssi…. Okay, I said I'd bash Rinoa. Why would I make anyone like her if I'm going to bash her? I HATE RINOA. As for Squall, I found the relationship overly forced and insanely stupid in the game. He went from telling her she was a whining little brat that was playing revolutionist, to wanting to hear her voice? No segway or warming up. Then when she sits in his lap he tells her to go sit in her chair cause it's safer. What kind of hormone driven teenager tells a girl to get out of his lap? I think we all know.
And Squall does a soft, barely smile at the end. I have the clip, I watch it all the time, so I know what he looks like.
As for not mentioning Squall knows Laguna is his father… well, DUH, everyone knows he knows cause like you said, it was IN the game. Why would I have to mention something like that when the fic takes place at the END of the game. I mean really.
SO, yes, if you give me reviews that I deem to be lacking in intellectual support, I will make it clear what I think of them. Unlike questions, there CAN be dumb reviews.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
When Garden landed on the beach near the orphanage, Quistis made her way out to greet Cid and Edea. With Xu filling her role as head commander in Squall's absence, she was taking on many of the administrative duties Cid would have been dealing with. Thankfully she was able to put many aside until things were less hectic.
Rinoa, who had been walking with her arms tight around one of Squall's arms, let go of the brunette and scuttled across the beach to the blonde woman, giving her a big hug. "Oh, Quistis! You're alright! I'm so glad!"
Quistis patted the girl's back, looking over her black-haired head to see the slightest grin on Squall's face and the cheery faces of Cid and Edea.
"Wonderful timing, Quistis. When did you get back?" Cid asked as the neared the red-clad woman.
"I woke on the Garden approximately an hour before we received your transmission. Xu and a team of higher level SeeDs were in charge until that time. It was then decided until you where physically back aboard the Garden I would act as representative should any diplomatic issues arise. Xu remained in position of head commander."
Cid nodded in approval and Edea smiled warmly, proud of the girl she had known would be mature and intelligent from a very early age. "It sounds to me like everything was handled perfectly. Well, let's all get back to Balamb Island. If I'm right, I think that's where everyone will be heading."
"I think you're right, dear," Edea said, one arm curled loosely around one of his. It was relaxed and affectionate, unlike the way Rinoa clung to Squall like he'd run away at any moment.
Having been freed from Rinoa's possessive death grip, Squall nodded to Quistis on his way by and walked right into Garden. "I am going to go lie down. Call me as soon as the others arrive."
"Alright, dear," Edea called to him. "You get some rest now." She could tell he was exhausted, even through his façade.
He nodded to the raven haired woman and disappeared into the banked military academy. Getting to his room only proved to be moderately difficult, what with the number of congratulations he received and how many students, that he was sure he didn't know, commented on how relieved they were that he was safe. As soon as he did get to his room he closed the door, entered an additional lockout code, shut off the lights and collapsed on his bed.
Meanwhile, Quistis was dropping Rinoa off in the cafeteria so she could get some actual food in her while everyone in charge of Garden at the moment met for a meeting. She told the girl her room number and wrote down the code in case she wanted to go rest.
'All senior SeeDs in the GODU Program please report to the headmaster's office immediately. I repeat, members of GODU, report to the headmaster's office immediately.(1)' Quistis inclined her head toward the nearest speaker as Xu's voice cut clearly through the noise of the cafeteria.
Within ten minutes the entire team was present and accounted for, with the addition of Cid sitting behind his desk, Edea just to the left and behind him. Xu and Quistis took up opposite sides at the corners of his desk while the rest of the team lined up in front of it.
"A wonderful set of SeeDs here. I am positive that Garden was in very capable hands the whole time I was away. Because of the current state of things, I would ask you to continue working in this program, for an undetermined amount of time. I don't think it will take too long to sort everything out with such skilled people working on the case."
The line of SeeDs nodded once in nearly perfect unison. "Headmaster Cid, we would be glad to assist you by continuing this work," the male on the far right of the line said, obviously the team leader under Quistis and Xu.
"Very good. I would like three of you to focus entirely on locating Zell Dincht, Selphie Tilmitt, and Irvine Kinneas. If it simply turns out that they arrive at Garden by themselves, well, so much easier that makes your job."
Cid paused as one of the young women in the center-left of the line raised a hand to her ear and turned, stepping away from the line a few paces. She nodded and murmured something.
"Pirash Tana, comminucations," Xu supplied Cid while the girl was busy. Cid nodded and waited for her to finish.
Pirash turned back to face the headmaster. "Selphie Tilmitt located, sir. She is at present speaking to someone in the communications room. She is at the Trabia Garden facility."
Cid nodded, pleased. One down, two to go.
"Sir," Pirash continued. "Miss Tilmitt is scheduled on a transport to Balamb Island at 1600 hours today."
A slightly younger male student spoke up. "At present speed, Garden will reach Balamb Island at 1627. The transport carrying Miss Tilmitt will arrive in port at approximately 1700 hours."
"Aker Demshire, military transportation with a flare for physics," Quistis said, turning her head slightly toward Cid when the boy finished.
"Very good. We will have already arrived by the time Selphie does. What are the main problems at the present time?"
"Monsters from the Lunar Cry are still in high numbers on the Esthar continent. We have already dispatched two dozen of our own SeeDs and a dozen temporary transfers from Trabia to combat the situation. Reports are favorable."
"Tamitha Rapture, dispatch."
"Also, Galbadia Garden is under our control. Several mechanics from Fisherman's Horizon were escorted to the facility, located at present on the Centra continent, where they deactivated the flight mechanism. They are unable to leave the region. Supplies have been sent on regular intervals, but until we have more manpower available, dealing with them has been put on hold. They are much less aggressive at this time."
"Anika Kisenza, international diplomacy."
"Ex-headmaster Martine is also requesting reinstatement after a formal hearing has been completed concerning his actions."
"At least he's being practical for once," Cid commented drying. He and Martine did not get a long.
"What is the condition of the continent of Galbadia?"
A mousy girl next to Anika spoke to this. "Following the incident at the parade in Deling, Edea Kramer is technically still the representative. Due to complications however, concerning possession, and the acts that followed, we see it as vital to the safety of Mrs. Kramer to remain out of the country at this time. Currently the city is under the control of the General of the Galbadian Army. The focus is to calm the people down enough so that serious government and diplomatic discussions can be arraigned and held."
"Rikardo Dominshi, foreign governmental policy."
"Just as I thought. Everyone is trying to create the calm after the storm."
"Sir, doesn't that saying go 'the calm before the storm'?" one of the SeeDs that had not spoken yet asked.
"Yes, it certainly does, and we will be getting another storm. There are key issues that have to be addressed. Edea is already here, so we don't have to worry about her. But I need a second group to locate Commander Fuujin Abeeno, Captain Raijin Sapnhir and Seifer Almasy. Again, if they show up, that much more simple."
"The team looking for Abeeno, Sapnhir and Almasy will work under me," Quistis said as she moved away from Cid's desk and over to the side. Those working on her project followed.
"And those searching for Dincht and Kinneas will be reporting to me." Xu glanced at Cid, showing she and Quistis had nothing more to say at the moment.
"Everyone else, keep up the good work. Now that things are beginning to settle down we'll have lots of work to do to get things back to some sort of normalcy." Cid smiled warmly at the SeeD in front of his desk. "Everyone is dismissed except Miss Yun Ling (2) and Miss Trepe."
All except Xu and Quistis left the office. The two women stepped around to the front of the Headmaster's desk, hand clasped behind their backs and feet spread at shoulder's width.
"At ease," Cid said, voice relaxed. "You both have done good work in my absence. The team you assembled is very qualified and capable, covering all areas of concern and approaching them with the utmost tact and skill. I am confident that this team will be able to have everything under control."
"Sir, you seem to be leading up to something," Xu commented, her hands now in front of her, fingers of one hand curled around the opposite arm's wrist.
"Indeed. I'd like to be able to give Squall, Zell, Selphie, Irvine and you, Quistis, a break from all this work and fuss that's going to be happening. You defeat many enemies and destroyed the sorceress. A rest is well deserved."
"I'd prefer to keep working on the project, sir, if that is alright." Quistis never was one for sitting back and enjoying absolutely nothing.
"I thought you would. Of course, if you'd like to continue, by all means, but you are entitled to as much break from it as you wish. I'll leave it in your and Xu's hands." He turned to face the older woman next to Quistis. "So you have to keep an eye on her and make sure she isn't working more than she should be."
Xu smirked slightly and nodded to the man behind his desk. "Yes, sir. I'll make sure she gets plenty of rest and relaxation." The asian woman grinned a little, glancing at Quistis who didn't look all to pleased at being forced not to give her one-hundred percent on the current mission.
"Thank you both. I want to be informed of the arrivals of any of the missing Garden members as soon as their whereabouts are known. Now, you are dismissed, and I have some reports to read."
Quistis nodded, turning her head a little and smiling warmly at Edea. "Matron, I'd very much enjoy having dinner with Headmaster Cid and yourself when the both of you have time."
"That would be lovely, child," Edea said with a smile. "I'd like that very much."
With a few more smiles and waves the office was left empty save for Cid and his wife.
"Cid," Edea said softly, stepping up and placing her hands on his shoulders. "Don't worry, my dearest, the children will all be alright. They'll come home safely."
The headmaster offered her a small smile. "It's not just them I'm worried about, Edea."
She knew he was worried about her. Only a few knew that she had lost the majority of her powers to Rinoa Heartly. The higher ups in Esthar as well and the high ranking SeeD in Balamb Garden were aware of the shift in powers, but for the most part, Edea was still seen to the world as an evil sorceress.
Thankfully she didn't even come close to the reputation of Sorceress Adel, who's reawakening and defeat had been kept confidential to only those who had been involved. Esthar was very good at covering things up, considering they had managed to hide their entire city.
- - -
Selphie stood on top of the transport ship carrying her to Balamb Island. She was excited and nervous at the same time. Was everyone back? Did they all make it? She tried to get her mind off the more depressing of thoughts by watching the ocean and the flocks of birds flying overhead.
"Ship, ship, floating along, through the sea, a-floosh a-floosh. Ship, ship, carry me home, back to my friends and darlings. Ship, ship, through waves and spray, bobbing and jumping, ahoy! On land, in port we soon will be, on this ship upon the sea! Ahoy, ahoy, on this ship upon the sea," Selphie sang her own little made up song as the ocean water crashed against the side of the transport vessel, the mist spraying her face.
After another fifteen minutes an announcement came that they would be arriving in a little while and asking all passengers to return to their seats. Selphie smiled at the approaching island of Balamb before hopping around and back down the steps into the main body of the ship.
- - -
Seifer crouched on the dock, staring at his bobber, trying to mentally psyche the fish into biting the hook below. This wasn't working at all, and he was also discovering that crouching was not a good position to fish in.
His head shot to the side as Raijin started making a rather happy racket. The large hispanic man practically pranced as he turned around to show Fuujin the yellow and red striped fish he had caught. He shouted a victory, punching the air with the hand still holding the dazed fish.
Seifer narrowed his eyes and shot to his feet. How come he hadn't caught any stupid fish? Were the fish too good to bite his bait? Fucking fish! Seifer threw his rod down onto the dock, acting much like a four year old having a temper tantrum.
"Raijin…" Fuujin warned, making a motion with her arm as the tall man continued to dance around happily, still holding up the fish. Either smack it over the head or let it go man. When this subtle warning did nothing to subdue Raijin's mood, the albino woman took it upon herself to cool him off. She raised her foot to his backside and pushed hard, sending Raijin off balance and into the water, rod, fish and all.
The scarred blonde's mood changed from angry to mirthful in seconds and he was laughing loudly at his friend's misfortune. He threw his head back, eyes shut tight as his laughter continued, eventually tapering to chuckles and then just the shake of his broad shoulders.
Seifer stopped and looked up when he heard the sound of the Garden's flying mechanism and saw the shadow it cast over the bay. He tilted his head back to watch as it flew overhead and off to settle into its original home once more.
Fuujin watched the Garden, as did Raijin from his position half in the water, half out with his arms holding him up on the dock. Both of them were worried about what his would mean. What was going to happen to Seifer? What was he going to do?
But their worries diminished as a soft smile broke out across Seifer's face and he dropped his arms back to his sides. "Well," he said, turning to look at his friends. "About time we went home, don't you think?"
"AFFIRMATIVE!" Fuujin said with a smile, heading over to Raijin and holding out an arm.
"Yea, just gimme a hand, ya know?" Raijin asked, looking up into one red and two green eyes. Seifer and Fuujin both wrapped their hands around Raijin's right wrist and heaved him out of the water. They all smiled, and without another word they were trudging off toward Garden, the squeak and squash of Raijin's soaking clothes and boats the subject of many chuckles along the way.
- - -
Zell was munching down a slice of leftover pizza while he sat in the kitchen, glancing over the newspaper's more interesting articles. He glanced up through the window that overlooked the main street as he turned the page. But suddenly the article about Galbadian affairs wasn't quite so interesting.
He'd thought he'd seen three pairs of black boots and the bottoms of an unmistakable trench coat. He cocked his brow and got up from the table. Trotting over to the door, wearing only a pair of denim shorts and his socks and still holding his pizza, he opened it and stepped outside, climbing a few steps to look down the street. All he caught was the tail end of that unmistakable trench coat turning around the archway.
His head tilted to the side contemplating if he'd really actually just seen the snippets of the people he'd thought he'd seen. But, his train of thought was utterly destroyed by the sound of a little crash and the weight of a 5'1.5" girl tackling him at full speed.
He stumbled back down the stairs and into his house, the girl clinging to him from behind and shouting happily about who knows what. "Selphie!" He exclaimed, finally prying her off him long enough for him to turn around and hug her.
"Zell!" No one would ever want to get caught between those two hugging. It was amazing there weren't any bones breaking already. "Ohmygosh! You're okay! You look great! When did you get back? Have you been here the whole time? Is Garden here yet? Who else is back?"
Zell planted a strong hand over her mouth and waited a few seconds for the questions to sink in. "I woke up here two days ago, I have been here the whole time, I don't know if Garden's back yet, cause I was going to check after I finished my pizza," he said holding up the half finished slice, "and I know you're back." He grinned, then got hit which made him cringe slightly.
"They should be back! Let's go look!"
"Oh my Hyne! Let me put some clothes on first."
"Oh, you're not dressed," Selphie said, having actually just noticed she had been hugging a half naked Zell. "Well, hurry up!" She trotted back outside to grab her little suitcase that she had dropped and then came waltzing back in and found a couch to sit on.
Zell shook his head at her and ran up to his room, finishing his pizza while he picked out his clothes and got dressed. Within ten minutes he was back downstairs, only to find Selphie missing. He poked his head into the kitchen then into the den to find her scoping out a stack of CDs.
"I thought you wanted to go?" Zell asked, leaning against the door in his trademark shorts and a tight white tank.
"Yea!" Selphie jumped around and gave him the thumbs up. "Let's gooooo!" And off they went, both running towards Garden at full speed.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1. GODU Garden Operation During Ultimecia
2. Xu's last name comes from Scarlet Fever's fics. READ THEM. http/ noiresensus. com/bookshelf/index .html?agree0 -drools-