A/N: Sorry for the extremely long break. I've been much busier than I thought I'd be. Truth be told, I'm still busy, but I really wanted to update. Enjoy!
- Thoughts and flashbacks are italicized.
Disclaimer: I don't own FFVIII or any of its characters. They belong to the Square Enix Company.
Rating: M for language and sexual situations.
----------------------------
A Twist of Fate
----------------------------
He knew he shouldn't have gotten so mad and overreacted; it was very unlike him. But he didn't care.
"God dammit," Squall cursed, walking quickly through Timber, "Stupid girl."
He was tired of everyone constantly referring to SeeDs. SeeD this, SeeD that; hey, aren't you a SeeD? It was as if the world was trying to spite him, he knew it. Why did he have to be constantly reminded of the fact that he was a pathetic failure and nothing more? Merely a machine of war. Squall hated everyone.
He didn't know how far he walked when he reached the bridge in the center of the town. However, he vaguely remembered seeing it when he and Seifer had entered the small town, so he knew he didn't go too impossibly far.
"I wonder if Seifer stayed to help them," Squall thought aloud, leaning over the bridge and causing his hair to fall in his face.
"No, he didn't," a voice cut through the air, "He had to make sure his damsel in distress was alright."
"Seifer," Squall replied, knowing the voice anywhere. Not turning around to face him, Squall merely stood up and continued to look at the passing trains. "I'm fine."
"Don't lie to me, Squall," Seifer demanded, his voice stern.
"Ha … he's mad," Squall thought, still not turning to face him.
"Look at me, dammit!" Seifer shouted, grabbing Squall's shoulders and flipping him around to stare into his eyes. But Squall kept his resolve and whispered, "What would you like me say, Prince Charming?"
Releasing him, Seifer took a few steps back, never breaking his gaze, and replied, "Cut the act, Squall. You need to talk to me when something is wrong. You can't just run away from your problems."
"I'm not running," Squall hissed, anger rising, "I just … didn't want to help them."
"You're lying! You're pissed off cause Rinoa thought you were a SeeD! You need to get over it, Squall!" Seifer continued, pointing a finger at Squall.
"It pisses me off!" Squall screamed, fists tightening. "It's like there's a sign on my back that says, 'Hey! I didn't make SeeD! Mock me!' I hate it! It … pisses me off!" All the times Seifer and Squall had ever fought each other, he never remembered it being like this. Usually Seifer took his side about most things … they just went about acting them out differently.
But this fight was different. It was extremely more personal. Both sides had tender hearts when it came to the subject about becoming a SeeD. Seifer had come to terms with the fact minutes after they left Garden. So what if he never made it? What the hell did that prove anyway? As long as he was still able to fight, and fight for what he believed justice to be, then what did this matter? To Seifer, SeeD was nothing more than a fancy title.
But to Squall, SeeD represented a great challenge that he had failed to master. He knew he didn't need some sort of representation to fight for what he felt was right, but at least he knew with SeeD his life would have had meaning. Now … even with Seifer by his side … he felt empty. Like he was fighting for an empty cause. Like his pride was broken beyond compare.
"I know it pisses you off, but how do you think you made Rinoa feel? She didn't know," Seifer continued, pressuring Squall for an answer.
"I don't give a damn about how she felt!" Squall yelled, breath ragged, "Just finish this stupid promise so we can get the hell out of here!"
"Oh no, you're not getting off so easy, Squall."
"Bite me."
The next thing Squall knew, he was on the ground. A throbbing pain in his cheek was one sign that he knew he'd been hit. Staring up at Seifer, who had his fist extended, knuckles clenched tight, was the other indication.
"Stop acting like a child, Squall," Seifer fumed, the sun casting an eerie glow about him.
Squall immediately turned away, hand pressed to his face. He really wanted Seifer to die … but he knew he was right. He was acting selfish.
"I know you think it's the end of the world," Seifer continued, lowering his fist, "And, hell, maybe for you it is. But think about it: you can still fight. And maybe Cid was right. Maybe we should be pitied."
At this, Squall looked up at Seifer, eyes full of disbelief.
"But," Seifer began, "Let's show them that we're not just fighting machines. Let's show them that we go by our own rules and still stand for something. Every time we fight, let the swings of our gunblades represent absolute determination. Let's let everyone know that we are somebody! Make them regret every ounce of pity they ever felt for us!!"
"And then," Seifer softened, smiling serenely at Squall, "All that doubt, confusion, and sadness you feel … that huge weight on your shoulders … it will vanish. And you'll finally understand your purpose in life. And that you are not alone. We're in this together, Squall."
Squall looked at Seifer. Who knew he could be so smart? I suppose miracles do happen. Smirking, he glanced past Seifer and into the wide, open sky. Seifer was right … damn if he was going to keep letting this get him down. From this point on, Squall was writing his own story. And whether he was seen as a savior or a devil, a hero or a failure … was his decision. "Thanks, Seifer," Squall sighed, extending a hand out to Seifer.
"No problem, Squally," Seifer replied, thrusting his hand out to grasp Squall's.
---
When they made it back to headquarters, they found the Owls crouched on the floor, discussing something.
And after Squall gave his half-hearted apology and everyone reluctantly accepted, Seifer and Squall were briefed on the plan as well.
"Wait, let me get this straight," Squall mused looking over the crude train set-up that had visually explained their plan, "You want just the three of us to sneak into the president's cabin and assassinate him if he refuses to agree to your terms?"
"Exactly!" Rinoa bounced happily, "It's the perfect plan! Watts and Zone have mostly done their part, and we already have a decoy! He'll have to do what I say! And if he doesn't, then we'll teach him a lesson!"
"Perfect plan"Squall thought, rubbing his temples, "This plan is far from perfect. There are so many things that could go wrong. And I doubt the president would do as she wants."
"Are you sure you thought this through?" Seifer voiced his opinion in a much nicer way than Squall would have. "Cause, frankly Rinoa, this plan is shit."
"What?!" All the Forest Owls looked confused. "What do you mean, Seifer?!" Rinoa pressured.
"C'mon, Rinoa," Seifer replied gruffly, "There are so many things wrong with plan! I mean, even if we do manage to not get caught, the president is never gonna agree. And then the whole resistance will be for nothing."
"No! If I just talk to him …" Rinoa pressed on, ignoring him.
"Listen," Squall cut in, "Believe whatever you want, but the fact of the matter is life isn't that easy. You can't truly believe what you're doing is beneficial? And on the likely chance you succeed, then what will you do? Have you even thought ahead?"
"He's ruining everything! He's just a tyrant!" Rinoa stood up, shaking, "I don't care if you guys help or not! You're not really part of the Forest Owls! What would you care?! You're not even a SeeD."
"You're right," Squall said, opening the door, "Why don't you get one of them to help you with this idiotic plan."
"Fine!" Rinoa screeched, crossing her arms. Noticing Seifer was still in the room, she looked at him expectantly.
"Sorry, Rinoa," Seifer stood up and followed Squall, "I can't keep my promise. Besides, Squall's right. Think about what he said before you follow through with this."
Stomping her foot, Rinoa turned from her last hope and plopped down on the ground in a huff.
Seifer didn't turn around to say sorry.
Watts and Zone didn't know what to say. Suddenly, Rinoa leapt from her spot and raced to the phone. "If they won't help, I know someone who will!" she said, frowning.
"What? Who?" Zone asked, curious.
"Hello? Is this Headmaster Cid?" Rinoa asked, smiling.
---
"It's not like I don't understand how she feels," Squall started, as both men were making their way through Timber, "It would be nice if they could receive their independence."
"Feeling some compassion, huh," Seifer mocked teasingly, rubbing Squall's hair, "I know what you mean. That's why I agreed to help her in the first place. I just …"
"Didn't think her plan would be so idiotically stupid?" Squall finished, smoothing his messed up hair.
Chuckling, Seifer replied, "Yeah."
"Truthfully, I think the idea would greatly benefit a lot of these people. But it's never easy to de-throne the corrupt."
Walking in silence always got Squall thinking. And though this idea seemed absurd, he thought that maybe if he and Seifer could insure Timber's independence than maybe his own story would start to begin. Like, this could be the beginning. Of course, Squall was never one to take chances, but at least he knew he'd be fighting for the right thing … with no restrictions.
"Seifer," Squall spoke suddenly, "I have a plan."
---
The train scenario had failed. It turned out that the president happened to be a fake. But Rinoa was strong in her resolve. She was going to see this through to the end. It was the right thing to do.
"So, what's Plan B?" Selphie asked excitedly.
"Yeah! We need to take care of that crappy president for real!" Zell proclaimed, pounding a fist on his chest.
"Please, inform us," Quistis commented, urging Rinoa to continue.
Rinoa was happy to finally have a group of people who understood her and her positions on the side of the Forest Owls. When she had contacted Headmaster Cid about the plan, he agreed to send out three of his best people. And, fortunately for her, these people all happened to be SeeDs. There was a contract involved and everything.
Thinking back to how rude Seifer and Squall had been, Rinoa was happy she didn't have their help. First and foremost, she couldn't believe how big of a jerk Seifer was being, and, secondly, she didn't like that Squall guy much. He was prone to anger and just a creep overall. These people were much friendlier.
"Well," Rinoa said giggling, "The president is going to be doing a live broadcast today!"
"Wow! There hasn't been one of those in a long time!" Selphie clapped excitedly.
"Exactly!" Rinoa agreed with a nod of her head, "And when he finishes giving his speech, we'll go in there and give our own!"
"Hmm, I suppose it could work," Quistis mused.
"Let's do it!" Zell cheered.
"Alright! Okay, so, the TV station is located behind Timber Maniacs! Here's the plan!"
Everyone gathered around to hear the plan that was sure to ensure the success of Timber's independence.
---
"The Sorceress?!" Zell asked, confused, "The ambassador is the Sorceress?"
"I had no idea," Quistis added, gazing at the large television screen.
They four person team consisting of Zell, Selphie, Quistis, and Rinoa were currently standing on a large staircase leading to the TV station. However, this shocking turn of events halted their progress.
The Sorceress walked slowly up to the president with a sense of indifference. With a hopeful heart, Rinoa pleaded with herself that something good would happen.
However, as President Deling was about to continue with his speech, a commotion broke out.
The sounds of men screaming and equipment breaking echoed through the station and out the broadcast. Alert, the quartet watching has no idea as to what is going on. The camera filming the scene is dropped and the feedback is distorted sideways.
"What is the meaning of –Ah!" the president screams as he is suddenly grabbed from behind.
A black blur slashes it's way into few. Blood flies from one Galbadian soldier as the figure stands and flings blood from his blade.
"Squall?" Zell wonders out loud, "No way!"
"What are they doing?" Selphie demands.
Rinoa merely stares in shock at the screen. Seifer is holding President Deling tightly, pressing his gunblade closer to his throat as Squall is hacking much of the opposition. Many have ran in terror already or cower in fear on the floor.
"When did they get here?" Zell asks, turning to Rinoa, "Did you know they were here?!"
"What should we do?" Selphie shouts, pointing to the screen.
Rinoa stares blankly at the screen, confused. What can she do now? The plan is ruined. But maybe … maybe they could use it their advantage. Now the president will have to listen to her. Maybe Seifer and Squall were on her side the whole time. Of course, with all these eyes looking at her, she isn't sure what to say or do.
Taking action, Quistis commands, "Let's get to the station as quickly as possible and clear up this mess!"
---
His vision was slightly hazy. Who knew it would all happen so quickly? The bodies of dead soldiers littered the floor and much of the broken equipment sparked from torn wires and broken cords.
However, he could hear the pleading of the president behind him.
Turning quickly, Squall raced up to Seifer, "I didn't know the Sorceress would be here."
"I'm sure a lot of people were fooled on that one, Squall," Seifer replied, tightening his grip.
"Do you know who I am?" the president yells, crying, "What group are you involved with? I'll have you both arrested!"
"Shut up, fool," Seifer hissed, squeezing harder.
"Squall! What are you doing?!"
He didn't want them to be here. So why? Why were they here? He couldn't bear it … seeing all that pity in their eyes, the disappointment. Squall wanted to turn around and see nothing; hoping against hope that he was just hearing things.
But when he turned around, he came face to face with those eyes. Those eyes that had been haunting him night and day. The eyes of pity. He hated those eyes.
However, he did not answer them. Why should he? This was none of their concern. But what the hell were they doing here anyway? And then he saw her: The idiotic girl with fanciful plans.
"What? Your master plan failed?"
Rinoa just stares at Squall with forming tears in her eyes. Wondering why she even wanted his help to begin with, she shouted, "So what, you jerk?!"
Squall just shrugged his shoulders. What should he care of this stupid girl showed up? He was just helping her in the end … like he had originally planned in the beginning. Of course, he was leaving out the crucial element: Her stupidity.
"We'll handle this," Squall replied, turning his back once more, "Just get out of here."
"I will not!" Rinoa shrieked, clenching her fists, "Seifer!" she began pleading, turning to Seifer with hope in her eyes, "You were joking before! You really did want to help!"
Seifer, however, doesn't answer. Turning around as Squall had done, the two men are about to take their leave. Zell suddenly breaks the silence: "Squall! Seifer! Come back to Garden!"
The room had never been more silent. To think that, when they were so close to achieving their goals, they would be thwarted. Squall turned to face Zell, a look that spoke of, "You're a fool!" plastered on his face. Seifer, on the hand, voiced his anger, "Zell! You idiot! What's wrong with you?!"
And apparently it took awhile for Zell to get it. But when he did, he clamped a hand over his mouth in fear.
But the president was smarter and took advantage of the situation. "Ha! If anything happens to me, I will destroy Garden, you can be sure!"
"Shit!" Squall cursed quietly into his shoulder. He was angry at Garden. If he never spoke of that place again, if he never had to see it, he would have been perfectly content. And no matter how much disappointment … rage … shame … and even anger he felt towards his "home," he never wished for it to be destroyed.
But Zell had to let his emotions get in the way. And during a dire situation. A fighting situation. "Feelings are supposed to be left out of battles," Squall remembered thinking to himself.
Feeling the situation couldn't get any worse, Seifer motions Squall to follow him into the next room. "Clean up in here, alright almighty SeeDs?"
---
The president ran off … but he wasn't sure when. She had appeared in thin air … walked through a wall … like it was nothing. Seifer and Squall were merely gazing at the figure before them. The sorceress.
The iridescent blues of the room swirled around them casting eerie shadows. The silence itself seemed to have a voice, and Squall shivered ever so slightly.
"… Poor, poor boys …," the sorceress spoke in a hushed whisper.
"Wh-what did you say?" Seifer demanded, finding his voice.
The sorceress said nothing, merely continued to gaze deep within their eyes. Squall found that it was getting harder to breathe and his legs were feeling weak.
"Is this fear? No. I'm not really frightened of her … am I? No, impossible. I fear nothing. Not even death."
But no matter what words Squall spoke to himself to calm his nerves, he couldn't shake this feeling.
"Don't call me that," Seifer spits out, taking a shaky step forward. "Is he scared?" Squall can't help but think.
"You poor boys," the sorceress sighs, waving her arms, "You're both so lost … you cannot find your place in the world. But … if you come with me … your sorrows will end. Bid farewell to your childhood."
Both men stood gazing intently. These promises … how could she have known all they had gone through? Seifer took another step forward. But this time, he wasn't shaking.
---
It all happened in a flash. Seifer had stepped forward, taking his place beside the sorceress. Zell, Selphie, and Quistis ran up behind them, but were stopped suddenly as if they had hit a force field.
Squall remembered hearing their pleads for his forgiveness; they didn't want him to go. They kept shouting for Squall to come back. Well … at least until their voices seemingly vanished with their movement.
And Squall was confused. More than he had ever been. He wanted to be with Seifer, but he didn't trust the sorceress. He wanted to help those people he once called friends, but wanted to run.
It was only when Seifer smiled and said, "Take my hand, Squall," did the world go dark.
Heart beating ferociously in his chest, Squall's ears were burning with the sound of his own fear. But he had no reason to be afraid. Maybe the sorceress could help him … maybe it wasn't fear but excitement he was feeling.
He looked hastily at Seifer, searching. But he only found comfort.
"We're in this together, Squall."
Squall captured Seifer's hand with his, and he was engulfed by an ominous darkness. The hands of fate creating a new twist in this life of confusion.
----------------------------
End of Chapter 5
----------------------------
A/N: Whoo! That was fun. I'm glad I got this chapter out. And you all deserved it so much after waiting so patiently. Reviews are greatly welcomed and thank you so much for reading.