Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII.
Chapter Three: Burden
"You're kidding right?"
Squall shook his head at Selphie's outburst, and the small girl immediately clamped a hand over her mouth. They had finally managed to make it to Deling city, which should have been classified as a mission on its own; between Irvine's flirting and Fujin's moping, it was a miracle everyone had made it out alive. Not to mention it was hard enough trying to be taken seriously as a bunch of teenagers without Selphie's big mouth at work. The guard in front of Caraway's mansion didn't seem impressed by her level of professionalism, either.
"No, I'm afraid not. You'll need to retrieve a password from The Tomb of the Unknown King to get in. The general wants to be sure that you're all strong enough." he repeated in a condescending tone. Zell's mouth fell open.
"But we were ordered to-"
"Zell," Squall cut him off, impatient. Zell's cheeks flushed but he turned around, pacing not too far from the rest of the group. "I guess we'll be back later."
They headed to the edge of the town, Squall thinking about groups the whole time. He wouldn't need everyone with him, that would just be sloppy. He would only take two with him, and he carefully thought of his peers, how everyone interacted, their strengths and weaknesses.
Someone needs to watch Fujin. he realized, almost sighing out loud. True, she hadn't caused any trouble just yet, but her obedient behavior was suspicious; Squall knew she was plotting something. If her outburst about Seifer hadn't been any indication, the downright hateful looks she directed at Rinoa were. Those two definitely couldn't be on the same team. Come to think of it, Rinoa needs to be watched, too.
It could be a good opportunity to see how strong Fujin was. He hadn't seen her fight since they were pre-teens, and it would be wise to gauge her ability. Not to mention, he didn't know how Irvine took orders, or how good he was in battle. On the other hand, Rinoa flirting with whoever was left behind -even if it was only Zell- didn't sit well with him, and she was, after all, his client and therefore his responsibility. I should probably leave Fujin with people that she doesn't already hate, anyways. I'm pretty sure I'm not one of her favorites…Turning to his comrades, he announced: "Rinoa and Zell will come with me. The rest of you, wait here." Irvine seemed thrilled at the thought of being left behind with only girls, and Rinoa was absolutely ecstatic that she'd been chosen. She immediately skipped to Squall's side and smiled. Quistis gave him a pointed look, not happy being left behind to baby-sit. Fujin stared solemnly ahead, already much better at hiding her internal rage. She took another soothing breath and just counted herself lucky that the three she detested most were leaving.
Rinoa could go ahead and try to replace Seifer with Squall; she'd only be disappointed, sooner rather than later. She glared into the distance even after she couldn't see the other group, and only stopped when Irvine spoke up.
"So, ladies, what shall we do?" he asked, a corner of his mouth raising at the end of his question.
"Ooh, let's take a tour of the town!" Selphie suggested, green eyes locking on an oncoming bus.
"I guess it would be wise to know our surroundings." Quistis said, glancing at Fujin. "What do you think?" Not about to break her vow of silence so soon, Fujin merely shrugged. She didn't like the thought of being stuck sitting next to any of them while they jabbered on about the town, but she didn't have a good reason to say no. Besides, she had to behave for the time being. She wanted to board the bus last, but Quistis was behind her, undoubtedly making sure she didn't try to pull a fast one. Fujin made sure her ex-instructor saw her eye roll as she stepped up.
"Wow, a real city," Selphie breathed as she stared, hands pressed against the window. Irvine sat next to her, paying more attention to Selphie's figure than to the scenery. Fujin and Quistis slid onto the seat in front of them.
"Don't travel much, do ya?" Irvine asked. Selphie shook her head.
"Just made it as a SeeD, and before that I pretty much only knew Trabia." she explained. "And I thought Balamb was big…" Irvine chuckled.
"It is a nice city," Quistis commented, leaning forward so she could see past Fujin. Fujin was taking in every detail of the city, noting the alleyways and smaller roads in specific. She would have to be able to get away fast, later that night.
"Try to relax," Quistis surprised her by whispering. "It won't do any good to dwell on it now." Fujin nodded once without looking at her, slightly irritated by Quistis' advice.
Selphie and Irvine continued their flirting and sight-seeing, with Quistis adding in a sentence every now and then. It made Fujin seem even more out of place, sitting with a group of friends that weren't hers. But what bothered Fujin the most was how they all seemed to have completely forgotten about Seifer. It was disgusting.
"You ladies want to get something to eat?" Irvine asked, noting that they were pulling up towards a café.
"That actually sounds pretty good." Quistis nodded.
"I'm starved!" Selphie exclaimed, and Irvine stood, grinning from ear to ear. They filed out of the bus and to the café. Fujin headed for the bathroom, and was mildly surprised when no one followed.
She stood by the sink and ran the water, staring into the drain. If she, Raijin and Seifer had been out and about on the town, she would have insisted that they save their money and eat at the school. Heck, even if they did eat out, Fujin herself never purchased anything or allowed any of her friends to buy anything for her. She never told them, but she was saving up money for the special time when Seifer decided to live his dream. She couldn't keep it in a bank, as she didn't know where the adventure would lead them, and she never left it in her room for distrust of her roommate, so there, in her backpack, was roughly eight thousand gil. She didn't want to start spending it, not after saving for such a long time, but she couldn't assassinate the president on an empty stomach.
She ordered the cheapest meal on the menu and opted to sit by herself at a table a good ten feet away from her party. Quistis glanced at her warily, but when Fujin raised an eyebrow she turned back to her conversation. Shortly after that, Irvine tried to motion her over and Selphie practically bounced in her seat as she called, but Fujin ignored both of them. She let out a slow and heavy sigh when Selphie stood and approached, undaunted by Irvine reaching for her arm and Quistis' startled look.
"Hey Fujin," she chirped, taking the seat across from her. Fujin kept her eye on her plate, methodically scooping the rice into her mouth. She estimated that Selphie would last about two minutes, five at most. It remained quiet for almost five minutes, which surprised Fujin; she didn't think Selphie had it in her to be so silent.
"Want some?" Fujin glanced up to see Selphie pushing a half-eaten slice of chocolate cake her way. "I didn't bite off of that part, I cut it with the knife, just in case you weren't into the germ-sharing." she rambled. "It's really good." she added.
Fujin was about to give her a pretty mean glare, but she stopped to consider her situation. If she accepted Selphie's peace offering, she might gain a little more trust, which would be very useful if the parties remained the same. The only down side was that they might think she had accepted them, but Fujin could tolerate that for a day. She reached out and took the cake, and Selphie absolutely beamed. It made Fujin feel guilty in a very slimy way, even after she reminded herself that she was doing it for Seifer.
She doesn't even like you anyways. She's probably doing it on a dare. Fujin assured herself, finishing off the last of the cake.
"Hey ladies," Irvine called, and both looked to him. Quistis was just snapping her cell phone shut. "That was Squall, they're heading back so we should go to Caraway's." Selphie nodded vigorously and stood.
"Let's go!" she exclaimed, running after Irvine and Quistis. Fujin wiped her mouth on a napkin before tossing it along with the rest of her trash. It was going to be an interesting day.
Almost half an hour later, Fujin, Irvine, Selphie and Quistis were waiting outside of Caraway's mansion. Irvine was leaning against one of the gate's pillars (much to the guard's irritation), watching as Selphie paced in front of the entrance like a caged lion.
"There they are!" Selphie said, jumping in mid-step and pointing up the road. Fujin thought she heard Quistis mutter: "Thank god."
Squall, Rinoa and Zell looked a little worn, and Fujin was pleased to note that Rinoa's beloved blue duster was frayed at the bottom. None of them looked too happy, which also lifted Fujin's spirits.
"Here," Squall said before anyone could ask anything. He threw his arm out towards Irvine, casting something to him. Fujin recognized the blue glow as part of a Guardian Force's presence.
"Aw, thanks, what's all that for?" Irvine asked in a flattered tone. Squall frowned.
"You're the only one that doesn't have a GF, right? You'll need one for this mission." he answered.
"Huh," Irvine pondered it for a second. "I don't know if I agree with the whole 'memories for power' deal…" Both Squall and Zell looked extremely irritated, probably because that GF was the whole reason they were so battered up. Rinoa decided to try a different approach before Zell could start yelling.
"It'll only be for this mission." she assured him. "Then you can un-junction them."
"What about Fujin, does she have a GF?" Irvine asked. Fujin tensed. Because she hadn't taken the field test she wasn't supposed to have a GF. However, on a very boring week off, she, Raijin and Seifer had taken a trip to Timber. Because Seifer ended up meeting Rinoa there, Fujin had decided to spare herself the nausea and snuck out for some extra training. It was only by pure luck that she'd encountered and defeated Pandemona, and had decided to keep the GF for emergency use. It was the only secret she'd ever kept from Seifer and Raijin. She watched the SeeDs with her usual steely gaze, but to her relief, Squall shook his head.
"You're more essential to this mission. Just take it." Irvine's mouth tightened, but he nodded.
Fujin thought about Pandemona as Squall gave the guard the password. Would she need it tonight? She had only used the GF once previously, and that had been because she was alone in the Training Center. It was uncomfortable, to have to place so much trust in a monster. But she would need all the power she could get, especially when things got ugly later on.
Everyone followed Squall into the mansion and to a large room, where Irvine immediately made himself comfortable behind what was Caraway's desk. Everyone else took a seat in the center, save for Fujin leaning against a wall, Zell doing a few basic punches and Rinoa pacing behind the sofa.
"Always so rude…" Rinoa muttered under her breath, picking up speed.
"Why don't you sit down, Rinoa?" Selphie suggested, patting the empty space between herself and Quistis. Quistis looked a little less than pleased and squinted towards Squall, who had taken the lone recliner.
"I'm going to go get that man to come in already." Rinoa decided, standing up and storming out of the door.
"Wait, you don't think that's a little rash?" Zell asked. Fujin raised a brow at that; Zell telling someone else they were being rash, Rinoa should really be questioning her actions right about now.
"Don't worry about it, this is my house." she replied with a smile before walking out.
"The hell..?" Zell commented, and Selphie shrugged as Squall sighed.
Just seconds after Rinoa was gone, a tall, stern-looking man entered the room, his war-hardened eyes betraying nothing as they swept the room. Zell immediately stopped fidgeting and took the seat between Selphie and Quistis.
"Where's Rinoa?" Squall asked immediately. He asked it casually enough, but judging by the way his shoulders had tensed, Rinoa was already working her charm on him. Poor fool…
"She doesn't possess the military training or obedience that you all have, she would only be a burden on this mission." the General replied, and a corner of Fujin's lip twitched, tempting a smile.
"So, Rinoa's your daughter?" Selphie asked curiously. He snorted, a bitter smile twisting his lips.
"I can't remember the last time she called me that." he said, his eyes losing that edge for just a second.
"Father's a top-military officer and- OOF!" Quistis took that opportunity to elbow Zell, much to everyone's relief.
"There are far more important things to worry about, anyways." Caraway replied. Squall's brow knit as he opened his mouth.
"We still have a contract with Rinoa, and when we're no longer needed here, we'll continue to honor it. I don't know what your situation is, but please do not interfere when that time comes." There was more coldness in Squall's tone than usual, and Zell and Selphie openly gaped at him.
And he was so proud of his military discipline….I thought you'd be stronger than Seifer in that aspect, Leonhart. Fujin stared at him, mentally telling him that he had just lost what little respect she'd had for him.
"And if I do?" Caraway challenged, staring Squall down. Squall didn't break contact.
"We're all SeeDs, we'll act accordingly."
"That's another thing, I was told there were only five SeeDs reporting to this mission." Caraway replied harshly, glancing at Selphie suspiciously.
"Actually, there was some issues in Galbadia, and Fujin here ended up having to tag along." Irvine nodded towards Fujin. Caraway turned to look at her.
"Are you a qualified SeeD?" he asked, sizing her up. She shook her head.
"She's been a part of Balamb's Disciplinary Committee for almost two years now, sir." Quistis added.
"Then you won't be able to participate in the mission," Caraway announced. Fujin frowned, and though the rest looked uncomfortable at the news, no one argued. "If the rest of you would accompany me outside…" he stood aside to let everyone else go ahead. When Squall gave him a questioning look, he added: "I need to speak to my daughter, before the mission briefing." Grudgingly, the SeeDs left the room.
Fujin was starting to brainstorm ways to sneak out when she noticed that the General had made no move to locate his daughter. She folded her arms across her chest and waited for him to speak.
"If I recall correctly, you've had previous contact with Rinoa? Assigned to the same post as that boy when he courted my daughter last year." Fujin nodded, not liking the reminder of that memory.
"You had the potential to pass and become a SeeD. It was unfortunate that you were paired up with a couple of clowns." Fujin almost lost it right there, and she bit her lip. She had to see what Caraway's point was.
"I have a mission of my own to offer you. My personal guards will be busy tonight, with this assassination coming to fruition. My daughter, as you may have noticed, is very stubborn and disobedient." Fujin nodded both in agreement and as a sign for him to go on. "Later, when everyone else leaves, get Rinoa in this room. From there, I'll lock the room from the outside, and you make sure that she doesn't find a way to escape." Fujin nodded and accepted the three hundred gil that he slipped her way. "There will be more after the mission." he said before finally leaving.
Fujin made herself comfortable on the sofa, now that no one was on it. Sure, it wasn't as easy as it would have been to break off during the parade, when it was sure to be hectic, but this still could work to her advantage. She checked her magic supply and nodded to herself when she saw that she had what she needed.
AAA
She enjoyed the sofa until she heard the SeeDs coming back towards the room. Then she quickly made her way back to lean against the wall.
She watched them, just a little nervous as they went over the last of their plans. Caraway didn't so much as glance in her direction. Squall and Irvine left with the General, but Selphie had to lace up a boot, so their team waited for her.
"Man, I can't believe he didn't put me in charge," Zell muttered. Fujin could.
"Better luck next time, Zell." Quistis said. "I'm sure you'll prove yourself."
"Finally, got out of there!" Rinoa said, beaming as she ran into the room. She frowned as she looked around. "Did that man say anything?"
"Uh, no, not really," Zell muttered. Selphie finished lacing her boot and straightened up.
"Where's Squall?" Rinoa asked.
"Look, Rinoa, I'm sorry, but we have to go." Quistis said coolly. So she'd caught on to Squall's protective tone, too.
"No, wait, just a second," Quistis looked like she wanted to leave anyways, but Selphie and Zell were waiting. Rinoa held up a metallic bracelet for them to see. "See, it's an Odine Bangle. I found it in his room."
"So whatcha gonna do with it?" Selphie asked, eying the bracelet curiously. If Rinoa left with them, it would be even easier to sneak away. Maybe she should just go now…
"The effects are still unknown, but it's supposed to be strong enough to suppress a sorceress' power." Rinoa explained, excitement building in her voice.
"Well, it should work, if it's Odine' brand!" Zell commented, eyes lighting up. Quistis' hand balled into a fist, and Fujin decided to stick around and see what would happen.
"Right," Rinoa nodded. "If we could get it to Edea-"
"So what exactly do you want to do with it!" Quistis snapped, and Zell jumped back. Selphie's mouth pulled down in a lopsided grimace and Rinoa stood dumb with shock. "How would you even get the Sorceress to put it on? Send one of us up and hope she's dumb enough to accept it?" Rinoa composed herself enough to reply.
"That's what we're going to discuss!" Rinoa argued. Fujin stood perfectly still, sensing opportunity on the horizon.
"We don't have time for any of that, we have a real mission to carry out. This isn't about whatever's going on between you and your father, this is bigger than that, do you even understand!" Quistis asked, blue eyes blazing. For once, Rinoa was speechless, and Quistis used that opportunity to get her team out of there. Rinoa fell to the floor, drawing her knees up to her chest before resting her head on them in a show of misery. Fujin waited until she heard the front doors close before making a move. She was pretty sure that Rinoa had forgotten she was there. Silently, she circled the room until she was directly behind the other girl.
"Sleep," she hissed. She heaved the unconscious Rinoa up from the ground and onto the sofa, arranging her arms on the pillows to make it look like she was stubbornly crying. Fujin herself sat on the second cushion, poised to look like a concerned friend at the first sign of Caraway.
When Caraway finally did come in, Fujin put one hand on Rinoa's back and a finger to her own lips. He took notice of Rinoa's distressed state and nodded once before walking out. Fujin heard the door beep and ran for the back door. She would have smirked, but she bumped into Quistis and almost fell right back into the room. She managed to catch herself and straighten up.
"Fujin, what are you doing?" Quistis asked. Selphie and Zell were behind her, and for a moment Fujin was confused. Why had they come back?
"GUARDING," she decided to answer them only because it was a matter of business. She jerked her thumb towards the locked room behind her.
"Rinoa's in there?" Selphie asked. "Darn…"
"Oh…I suppose I'll talk to her after the mission, then," Quistis said, although she squirmed, maybe thinking that she might not be around to talk to Rinoa after the mission. Fujin only nodded curtly in response, hoping to encourage them to return to their post. Was she really sorry for telling off Rinoa, or was she afraid of what Squall would think if he heard about it?
"Well, I guess we'll see you after the mission." Quistis said after a few seconds of awkward silence. Fujin watched them walk away and waited fifteen minutes before slinking off into the night.
End Chapter
A/N: Sorry for taking so long to update! Hope this was a half-decent chapter (boring as heck, though). Please R&R!
