Redeemed Knightlyhood
By: Angelo Di Desiderio
Disclaimer: Square-Enix owns Final Fantasy VIII & Kingdom Hearts II and related characters. Not I. Than 'kith.
A/N: Good/Helpful criticism is welcome!
They had been living a comfortable life style in Fisherman's Horizon. It was any mans dream in Seifer's opinion. Everyday was a gentle breeze back into a normal life, a life before the Ultimecia affair. A life he could have had if he never joined SeeD; if he had given up his romantic dream.
Fujin and Raijin joined him in this newfound poor man's paradise. They never had any money, and no one had any idea who they were, certainly a change from the absorbed Balamb Garden bustling with future wartime heroes and politicians.
FH was usually so quiet and laidback, but on this very day the whole town was floating with gossip. Galabadia had issued a bounty for three fugitives according to the G-army. "Seifer Almasy, Fujin & Raijin are extremely dangerous and if approached proceed with caution and contact the local authorities as soon as possible."
Seifer was on his way over to his usual spot at the docks when he saw a crowd of FH citizens hovering over the wanted poster with his face planted on it.
'Shit.'
He knew it wouldn't be long before he was wanted by the Galabadians but Fujin and Raijin too? They hadn't done anything except follow him like any loyal friend would do.
He quickly tore down the poster causing a gasp from the onlookers and headed towards the dock. There he found his predetermined companions.
"I was expecting my face to be everywhere but not you guys too! This is fucking bullshit! What could they possibly be able to charge you two with?"
Fujin & Raijin were silent for a moment until Fujin decided to speak up.
"ACESSORY."
"Ya she's right ya know. We could have had the chance to turn you in when we were following you around and stuff but we didn't. But I don't regret any of it! I would have gone down with you to the end Seifer!"
Seifer had a feeling of guilt wash over him.
"I'm sorry I caused this. You guys would be in Balamb right now chasing around delinquents if it weren't for me…"
"Hahaha, Seifer you are the delinquent, ya know?"
He couldn't help but let out a cocky smirk.
"CAN'T STAY LONG."
Seifer had realized this, if they were wanted that had to mean they had to get a move on quick before FH quickly turned on then as fast as they had accepted them. He was feeling blamable for allowing them to get involved. They had been his only friends, and damn good ones. He had never showed his appreciation to them and now he finally knew how. He was going to turn himself in.
"No. You guys are going to stay here; I'll work out something with Mayor Dobe. Whatever fate awaits me, I deserve it."
"FOLLOW."
It was the first time Seifer had ever seen so much pain in Fujin's eyes from something he had said to her.
"That's right ya know, to the end, ya know?"
He knew. Not this time.
"Mayor Dobe!"
Seifer had reached the small bungalow home to the mayor and his wife. It always smelled like cinnamon for some reason.
"I knew you'd show up eventually. You know you're a wanted man right? Now we're a small town here, we can't have any of that, especially that Galabadia's involved. FH will not protect a fugitive, or three fugitives!"
"And that's why I've come to strike up a deal with you!"
"Humph. We don't negotiate with terrorists!"
"Oh shut-up and let him talk!" A tall skinny pale blond woman came out from a back room holding a wooden spoon. The room now suddenly reeked of spices.
"Thank you, but my friends have done nothing wrong, in fact they've done nothing at all, but as you know Galabadia does not give very much justice to those charged with crimes, even if they're really innocent. If I leave FH and turn myself in to the G-Army, all I ask is you let my friends stay here. The G-Army doesn't want them, they only want me. They're just trying to scare them into turning me in as bait to save themselves. But my friends are too loyal so it's my turn to repay them for that."
It was silent for a few moments. 'Maybe FH citizens aren't too bright.'
As if someone turned on a light bulb the instant he let that thought wander the mayor spoke up.
"Alright. But you better get out of here now."
It was a hard goodbye but Seifer knew it was the right thing to do. He knew it wouldn't redeem him from everything he had done but he sure as hell wasn't going to die betraying the two people who always believed in him his whole life.
Plus he was tired of being the villain.
It was a lonely walk to Galabadia. It took him at least a week but when he reached the bustling city the guards didn't hesitate to arrest him immediately. They way they unnecessarily kicked him as the arrested almost made him retaliate but he had gotten most of his anger out on some monsters on the way to the city.
It wasn't long before he was dragged from jail cell to court room where he faced the most pissed off looking judge anyone had ever seen, he was sure of it.
"Seifer Ramsey Almasy, you are charged with treason, conspiracy, terrorism, assault with a deadly weapon, 2nd degree murder, attempted murder, and battery. How do you plea?"
"Absolutely guilty." Even though Seifer knew exactly what that meant, he couldn't help but flash his cocky smile as a shocked courtroom exploded in an up-roar.
"Silence! Quiet in the court! Because of your plea Mr. Almasy you will be given the maximum sentence."
Seifer also knewwhat that meant. Death.
It was all over the news. Seifer Almasy was to be given the maximum sentence in a Galabadia courtroom. He was the first to plead guilty in a record 25 years.
This was not only the talk of every town, but it was currently being debated in Balamb Garden, his school 6 months ago.
"We can't allow one of our students to be tried with the maximum penalty without our consultation first! Galabadia is breaking the rules just to put this man behind bars to help their country politically. Squall I expect you to do something about this!"
Squall found it surprising that Cid was sticking up for the man who tried to destroy garden. 'Cid had spent his entire life building this place. He let Seifer and himself call garden home. How could you forgive someone for that?'
"Squall? This is not the time to keep to yourself!"
"I don't see why you're defending him Sir. He tried to destroy garden, betrayed all of us for his own selfish purposes and is responsible for the many deaths of Balamb students, not to mention children, families…"
"That's enough! I'm very well aware of what he did. And don't think for a minute I've forgiven him but we need to stand by what's right. You and I both know he was corrupted and manipulated by Ultimecia. We can't let Galabadia kill a man who never got a chance to live life."
Squall knew Cid was right. 'Maybe…maybe he doesn't deserve to die.'
"…"
"Well? I'm not asking for your permission, I'm giving you an order!"
"…Yes, sir."
Cid always had this funny way of getting really mad and then as soon as he heard what he wanted to hear he changed moods drastically to a calm serene old man.
"Good! Go see what you can do. I'm going to go discuss this with the rest of garden staff. Have a good afternoon!"
Slightly annoyed Squall headed to the video conference room where he knew was going to be a very long argument with Vice President Rufus.
After 4 hours of debate they had finally reached a solution. Both authorites agreed to keep this completely top secret to ensure Galabadia's political future is secure and for Seifer's safety. He would be allowed to live and be free from Galabadia prison but he would live a life of complete isolation. Even Squall thought it was a fair compromise.
Seifer was completely flabbergasted when two soldiers pushed him out of the prison and threw him into the sand to only find himself right below the last person he wanted to see, especially in this kneeling position. 'Damn you Leonheart.'
A/N: This is going to be a long story. Trust me. But I think if you give it a chance you'll enjoy it very much! They'll be a 'lil bit of everything, romance, action, defiantly suspense!Please review and I'll continue Tuesday! 'Till then tell me what you think! 3