A/N: Hey guys, s'up?
I have an announcement to make to everyone who's reading my other story. I've been having a major writer's block on that one, so I won't be updating for a while. Don't worry, I'll definitely finish it. I don't like leaving stories hanging. It'll just take a while before I get the will and inspiration to continue with that story. It shouldn't be more than two or three weeks I suppose.
On the other hand, I'm progressing really well with this story. As a result, I decided never to do such a stupid thing again and take on two stories at the same time… Bad me… Anyway, I hope I'll get over it soon enough.
Last chapter summary: Seifer and Quistis spend some time inside the Disciplinary room, until Seifer learns about the mission in Timber and decides to rush down there and help. While trying to stop him, Quistis ends up 'tagging' along…
~*A second chance*~
By: Sickness in Salvation
Chapter 13: The mysterious woman
- "SEIFER?! What are you doing here?!" Rinoa asked, completely bemused.
- "That's a very good question…" Squall said, narrowing his eyes.
He began descending the metal stairway, walking towards his life-long rival. Although Seifer was a fair four inches taller than Squall, the latter was the only person Seifer could not cower. Even as the blond stood up straight, leering down at the brown-haired SeeD, Squall shared an equally threatening expression on his face.
- "This is our mission, Seifer. We were the ones sent on it and you have no right whatsoever to be here." Squall growled at him.
- "*Scoff* And let's see who 'we' would be…" Seifer said smirking, scanning around him "I see shrimp over there," he said, referring to Zell who clenched his fists and swore under his breath "And…" his eyes stopped on Selphie "Who might you be?"
- "I'm Selphie Tilmitt." Selphie replied proudly, hopping down the stairway in front of them.
- "Fascinating." Seifer retorted sarcastically "And how exactly do you fit in with the other two thirds of the 'Trio Stooges'?"
- "I met them during our SeeD exam," Selphie began, obviously not 'getting' Seifer's mocking remark "While delivering a message and-"
- "Ah." Seifer interrupted her "Well now I see why Cid decided to send you three of all people. A Puberty Boy, a Chicken-Wuss and a Messenger Girl all put together in one team. Now that will ensure Timber's liberation…"
- "What's the matter, Seifer? Disappointed that you weren't chosen at all for this mission?" Squall asked sarcastically.
- "You wish. I would be chosen if it weren't for certain…err… responsibilities I needed to take care of…" Seifer replied, crossing his arms.
- "He was in detention." Quistis piped in, speaking for the first time.
Seifer turned around abruptly and shot her a poisonous glare as the rest sniggered audibly. Quistis blushed and turned away.
- "Did Cid send you two here to help?" Rinoa asked, having approached them as they talked.
- "Not really." Quistis replied shyly.
- "You just came down here to help the 'Forest Owls'?" Rinoa asked, feeling touched.
- "I'm only here to make sure Garden's name won't be ridiculed of during this mission." Seifer replied sternly, making her lower her head "Even if Cid had sent his three best for the job, they'd still not be enough for something of this caliber."
- "I hate to admit it, but he's right." Selphie spoke, crossing her arms.
- "Instructor Trepe, how could you have let him get away?" Squall asked, turning over to Quistis "You should have informed the Headmaster."
Quistis, who had been relatively quiet all this time, opened her mouth to speak, but Seifer beat her to it.
- "The Instructor agrees with me, Leonhart." he spat at him "And from what I can see, so does your little co-worker over there." he said, pointing towards Selphie.
- "I got no orders to co-operate with you and by Hyne, I won't." Squall replied proudly.
- "Wake up, Squally-boy." Seifer growled "This isn't about you or me, it's about getting the fucking job done well. Face it. You can't do it alone."
Squall narrowed his eyes even more at the blond, feeling his insides rumble with fury. The damned bastard was right; they had to work together if they wanted to stand the slightest chance of success.
- "Fine." Squall said laconically "But don't you dare think that you'll get to order us all around just 'cause you trotted down here to act like a hero." he added, pointing a threatening finger at him.
- "Ooh! I know!" piped in Selphie "We'll hold a vote and see who'll be the leader between you two!"
Both Squall and Seifer turned around and glared at Selphie.
- "It was just a thought!" she protested.
- "I agree." Rinoa spoke.
- "So do I." said Zell "Instructor Trepe?" he asked Quistis.
Quistis seemed to have zoned out, staring at nowhere in particular, deep in thought.
- "Instructor Trepe?" Zell asked again, a bit louder.
- "Yes?" Quistis said, startled.
- "Snap out of it, Trepe." Seifer spat at her "They're askin' if you want to hold a vote to decide on a leader between us." he added, cocking a sarcastic eyebrow at Squall.
- "I agree." she said, shrugging.
- "Alrighty then!" Selphie said enthusiastically "Votes for Squall?" she asked.
Everyone raised their hands. Seifer's eyes rested upon Quistis.
- "You too, Brutus?" he asked sarcastically.
- "You kidnapped me, insult me on every given occasion and do everything within your power to," Quistis hesitated "Bring me before an awkward situation." she finished, lowering her gaze from him, blushing "What did you expect?"
- "Fine then. We're all under you command Mr. Leader." Seifer said to Squall in a mocking tone "Guide us, oh wise one."
Squall looked away, aggravated. He hadn't asked for this. He didn't want to be the 'leader' all of a sudden, taking responsibility for everyone there. Although it had felt good to be chosen over Seifer…
- "So what are we gonna do about the Pres-" Zell began, but was interrupted by the buzzing on the huge screen hanging from the wall across the stairway.
The screen's image was mixed with parasites for a couple of seconds, until it became completely clear. The Timber TV station's set was apparent, and a man in a suit was standing before a pedestal. Everyone's attention concentrated onto the TV screen.
- "T-Testing… 1… 2… Testing… Testing…" the man spoke "Ohhh! P-People of the world! Can you see me!? Can you hear me!? Oh, this is incredible! Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a recording! This is an actual broadcast over the air! Yes, it's been 17 years since a live broadcast has been possible! Oh, please excuse me… I seem to have lost my composure. We would like to present to you today a message from the lifelong President of Galbadia, Vinzer Deling. Ladies and gentlemen, President Deling."
The President stepped over to the pedestal, as the announcer walked away.
- "Greetings. I am Vinzer Deling, lifelong president of Galbadia. Today, I stand…" the President began to speak.
- "We have to do something!" Rinoa yelped.
- "Come on, we have to stop the broadcast!" Seifer yelled, storming up the stairs.
- "That idiot is going to blow the whole thing!" Squall growled, following Seifer up the stairs.
The rest followed behind the two young men, running ad fast as they could, to prevent Seifer from doing anything stupid. Squall soon caught up with him on the stairs, only few feet away from the studio doorway, and grabbed his arm.
- "I still don't get why the hell you showed up down here! What are you trying to do, ruin everything?!" he yelled at the blond.
- "I get it!" Zell piped in from behind "You're Rinoa's-"
- "Shut your damn mouth! You chicken!" Seifer yelled at him.
The two guards that were standing outside the door of the station ran towards the group of teenagers when they heard the commotion.
- "What's going on here?" asked one of them.
- "What do you think you five are doing out here?" asked the other one.
'Oh Hyne, this is- Wait… 'You five'? But we're s-' Squall thought.
- "Rinoa no!" he yelled.
The brunette, had seized the opportunity and had slipped away, now heading towards the TV station.
- "Aw crap!" Seifer swore, punching the two guards away, running after Rinoa.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seifer rushed into the set of the studio, Squall following behind him only seconds later. Both men's eyes widened at the sight. Rinoa was less than three feet away from the President, pointing her weapon at him, holding the entire TV crew back by threatening to harm Deling. Quistis barged inside, stumbling onto Seifer and took a step back, blushing. Zell and Selphie came right behind her.
'Dammit… She's in for some real trouble now…' Squall thought.
- "Rinoa step back!" Zell yelled at her.
- "Not until he liberates Timber." Rinoa spoke "The whole world is watching, President Deling. If you co-operate, you won't get hurt."
- "Rinoa, just calm down…" Seifer spoke, slowly approaching her.
- "Don't walk in there you idiot!" Zell snapped "You're going to get Garden in trouble!"
- "Shut up! NO!" Squall yelled at Zell, who realized his mistake only too late.
- "I see… So you're all from Garden." the President said "Should anything happen to me, the entire Galbadian military will undoubtedly crush Garden. You can let go of me now." he turned to Rinoa.
- "Nice going you dumb chicken!" Seifer hissed at Zell, who was now biting his lower lip "You and your big mouth…"
- "What the…" Selphie spoke suddenly, staring at the wall behind Rinoa and the President.
A purplish glow appeared behind them and the figure of a grown woman slowly began to appear. Shocked, Rinoa dropped her weapon. The President and the crew took the opportunity presented to them to escape, leaving the six young people alone inside the studio with that woman.
All of them stared at the ethereal presence of the room in awe. The woman's face was covered with an exotic mask, but her body seemed to radiate such an intoxicating aura that couldn't let anyone doubt the beauty that would be hidden underneath it. Mostly mesmerized of all though, seemed to be Seifer. The tall blond gaped at the mysterious woman as if in a daze. He couldn't explain it, but something drew him to her like a magnet. And then suddenly, he heard a deep feminine voice, which unmistakably belonged to her, echo within his head.
…Poor, poor boy…
Seifer's facial features frowned. Why was that woman approaching him? And why was she calling him a boy?
- "Stay away from me!" Seifer snapped.
- "Such a confused little boy… Are you going to step forward? Retreat? You have to decide…" the woman now spoke audibly, still walking closer to him.
- "Stay back!" Seifer repeated.
- "The boy in you is telling you to come. The adult in you is telling you to back off." the woman went on, ignoring him "You can't make up your mind. You don't know the right answer… You want help, don't you? You want to be saved from this predicament."
- "Shut up!" Seifer insisted, the grip on his gunblade trembling.
- "Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Besides, you're only a little boy…" the woman spoke, provoking him.
- "I'm not… Stop calling me a boy…" Seifer's voice wavered.
- "You don't want to be a boy anymore?"
- "I am not a BOY!" Seifer yelled, his breath fast and heavy.
- "Come with me to a place of no return. Bid farewell to your childhood…"
Her words seemed to have an impact on him that Quistis noticed. She was drawing him to her more and more with her words. Seifer took a step forward. Inside his mind, the voice became more persistent.
Come to me and I'll make all your dreams come true…
My… My dreams?
I know of what you crave most, boy… And I can give it to you… Just follow me…
Seifer took another step forward.
Yes… Follow me…
Quistis looked frantically from Seifer to the woman and back. She was gaining on him, she was enslaving his mind. She couldn't let him give in, not now that…
- "Seifer stop! It's a trap!" she yelled at him.
Seifer momentarily turned around and looked at Quistis, but the voice drew his attention back.
Don't listen to her… She can't give you what I can… Let her go. Let them all go. And join me…
The tall blond stepped towards the woman before him, dazed in a trance. All of them were now shouting at him, pleading him to stop, but only Quistis' voice stood out.
- "Seifer NO! Don't listen to her!" she yelled and grabbed his arm, pulling him back.
- "Insolent, meddlesome fool!" the woman's voice boomed "I'll teach you a lesson to learn your place!"
It all happened in slow-motion before Seifer's eyes. The woman raised a clawed hand and immediately, a purplish-silver aura that was definitely a spell of some sort flew from her fingertips. Seifer's head jerked from the woman to Quistis on his right, where the spell hit her hard on the chest. The blonde Instructor let out a choked gasp and fell to the floor in a crumple. Seifer's eyes widened and turned to look at the woman with fear and hatred written all over them. He took a step back and swallowed with difficulty.
Behind him, Squall drew his gunblade and made a run for the woman, letting out a cry. The woman smirked and stood still as the SeeD approached her. Squall raised his gunblade into the air and brought it down to her forcefully. To his surprise, the serrated edge of his weapon cut through nothing but thin air, as the woman vanished in a matter of a second. The brown-haired SeeD was left looking dumbfound, running his fingers on the curtains before him, as if he hoped to find the woman behind there.
I will come for you again…
Seifer was still gaping at the place where the woman once stood, his green eyes staring blankly. How could she be speaking to him even after she'd disappeared? Could she have not gone? Could she be still lurking around in the shadows, waiting f-
- "Wake up, Almasy! She's gone!" Zell yelled at Seifer, shaking him back to consciousness from the shoulders, but he didn't even blink "Snap out of it!" he added, snapping his fingers in front of him. Nothing "Dammit, wake up!" he said, and landed a hard punch across Seifer's jaw.
The blond immediately grabbed his sore jaw and narrowed his eyes at Zell. He grabbed the shorter man's shirt and leered down at him.
- "What the fuck do you think you're doing, Chicken-wuss?" he growled. Zell was about to retort, when Selphie's voice put them both back in place.
- "Stop it you two!" she shrieked "We have much more important things at hand here!"
Both blonds turned to look at her. She was standing by Quistis' side, holding her hand. Rinoa was on the other side, chanting some words under her breath, performing curative spells that might help. Squall had kneeled on Selphie's side, looking at Quistis intently.
- "Work, you useless thing! Work!" Rinoa hissed, as none of her spells and potions did anything. Quistis wouldn't flinch at all.
- "Is she dead?!" Seifer whispered in horror.
- "No, she's got a pulse." replied Selphie "But it's weak."
- "I've never seen a spell like that before…" Rinoa whispered in awe "It knocked her right out…" she added, rubbing Quistis' cold palm in her hands.
Seifer strode over to the fallen form of Quistis and pushed a protesting Rinoa aside. He kneeled by her side and held the back on her head and hand gingerly, looking at her with concern.
- "Hyne, why d'you go and do such a stupid thing, huh?" he whispered, touching her cold forehead.
- "It all happened to Instructor Trepe because of you, you moron!" Zell yelled at him accursedly.
Seifer's eyes narrowed. The truth always stings.
- "Shut up." he hissed, not looking at him.
- "No, I won't shut up!" protested Zell "You were stupid enough to listen to that woman and Instructor Trepe rushed in to protect you! It's your fault!"
- "I said SHUT THE HELL UP!" yelled Seifer, his eyes sparkling with fury.
- "BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!" roared Squall, making everyone turn to look at him in awe "Instructor Trepe is badly hurt and Galbadians will be on our trail any minute! I don't know if you noticed," he said sarcastically "But the President took off long ago. The last thing we need is your bickering."
Seifer and Zell both shut their mouths and Seifer didn't even bother to retort anything; Squall was right.
- "First thing's first," Squall continued "We need to get out of here."
- "I know somewhere we can hide." Rinoa piped in "There's a woman here in Timber who knows me well and will surely let us stay there for a while." Squall nodded in consent.
- "OK then, let's get the Instructor and-" began Zell.
- "Don't you fucking dare." Seifer spat at him, pointing a threatening finger at him, then turning around to look at everyone ominously.
He cradled Quistis in his arms gently and picked her up. He held her close to him protectively and turned to look at Rinoa.
- "Lead the way, Princess." he said sarcastically.
Rinoa shot him a glare and moved towards the entrance, closely followed by the five SeeDs.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Oh my gosh! What happened to me?
Matron apparently hit you with a highly advanced spell. Well, you needn't worry for what happens to you
though, you're alive and well watching this, aren't you?
Yeah, but still…
I'm surprised you didn't comment on how protective Seifer became all of a sudden…
I would, but what really bugs me, is why react like that? She certainly didn't hit me that hard the 'other' time…
Who, Edea?
Yes. She only stunned me and when she disappeared, the spell faded off.
Well, did you try to stop Seifer the other time as well?
Yes. Only I didn't get there soon enough. I had to run after him.
Well, I suppose it was the fact that you were already there and tried to hold him back. And apparently, your words had a different effect on
him this time…
But… why?
Shouldn't you already know by now?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seifer was sitting down on the floor of the moving train carriage, with his back leaning against the wall.
When they had arrived at the place Rinoa was talking about, the woman living there had indeed provided them with shelter for a while. As it turned out, she was the leader of yet another Timber rebel group. That's how Rinoa obviously knew her. After staying there for a couple of hours, Squall had suggested they went to Galbadia Garden. Apparently, there was some section in the Garden manual –which Seifer clearly wasn't aware of- that stated that in a case of emergency, one should report to the nearest Garden, which at the moment was Galbadia Garden. So they grabbed the last train leaving from Timber, which would leave them off at the East Academy Station. From there, G-Garden was less than a fifteen-minute walk.
The blond looked around the carriage. Everyone except for Selphie was silent. Squall was leaning against a wall, brooding as always, Rinoa was looking out of the window and Zell was sitting down silently, obviously feeling guilty for revealing that they were all from Balamb Garden. Selphie was merrily singing some annoying song about trains. Seifer looked down at Quistis, still held gingerly in his arms. He raked a hand through her hair. Why had she rushed over to help him? Why did she have to be so stupid? It wasn't his fault that this had happened to her, it was hers. He certainly hadn't asked her to help him, she did it herself. He sighed. Who was he trying to kid? It was no-one else's fault but his. Damn, why did she have to do it? Was it because of that kiss before? 'Damn it Trepe, I only did that for cover… Don't tell me you took it seriously…' he thought looking at her, as if having a conversation with her. She knew that kiss –correction, kisses- was only a means of protection, didn't she? She couldn't possibly think that… '*Sigh* It's not worth giving a second thought at it Trepe… I'm not worth giving a damned second thought at… I swear, for a supposed prodigy, you're the most naïve woman I've ever met in my life. Naïve and beautiful… Err… Naïve and stupid, I mean…'
Don't worry, master. I have a strong intuition that she'll come around.
'An 'intuition', eh?'
Yes. And I believe it's safe to say that my 'intuitions' usually prove to be accurate.
'It's just that-'
You're afraid you might never see her again?
Seifer cocked a sarcastic eyebrow 'NO. I'm just-'
Worried that she got herself injured to help you?
Seifer gritted his teeth 'NO. I only-'
Fear that it's your fault?
'Will you shut up and let me finish a sentence already?! I'm just bugged that everyone thinks it's my fault, which it's NOT, and that she did this because of-'
The kiss?
'Are you spying on me all the time, or what?'
It's not difficult to see through your memories, master, as I've told you before. Especially through the ones most engraved…
'Now WHY would I choose to 'engrave' that particular memory in my head?'
Ahh, but I never said I was talking about that one, did I master? You just-
'It's only fucking logical, Ifrit. I-'
You just presumed I did, because-
'END of discussion, Ifrit!' Seifer thought crankily, pursing his lips 'Damn conceited GFs… Think you know everything…'
I heard that, master.
'I KNOW you did.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The six teenagers made their way through the thick forest separating them from G-Garden. Squall was leading the way, followed by Rinoa, Seifer with Quistis in his arms, Selphie and then Zell. Selphie was almost level with Seifer, shooting glances to Quistis from time to time. At some point, Seifer caught her looking at them, grinning broadly.
- "What?" Seifer growled irritated.
- "Oh, nothing…" Selphie said smiling, letting out a giggle.
Seifer shook his head in disbelief. After a couple of minutes, Rinoa asked Squall to take a small break to catch their breaths. All five of them except for Squall sat down on near-by rocks. Zell seemed to be fidgeting around nervously.
- "Do you think the President will retaliate on Garden?" he asked, getting up.
- "Maybe…" Squall replied, shrugging.
- "Figures…" mumbled Zell "B-But…" he said, moving close to Squall "We have a whole bunch of SeeDs at Balamb Garden! They wouldn't lose to the Galbadian army, would they?" he asked frantically, falling down on his knees.
- "Depends on how strong the army is…" said Squall apathetically.
- "You know, I can't believe you!" snapped Rinoa indignantly. Everyone turned around to look at her "You're just a great leader, aren't you?" she spoke, addressing Squall who narrowed his eyes at her "Do you actually have fun acting so callous towards your comrades?! Zell needs your support!" Squall didn't speak
- "Sheesh Rinoa, quit your Hyne damned whining…" Seifer piped in.
- "What is your problem?" the brunette snapped at him.
- "You're irritating my ears, that's my problem!" Seifer retorted.
- "This is between me and Squall!" hissed Rinoa "It doesn't concern you!"
- "It sure as hell does! I can't stand hearing your whiny jabbering, so shut it!"
- "What's the matter Seifer? Annoyed that the world doesn't revolve around you for once?" Rinoa asked sarcastically, folding her arms in front of her chest.
- "Fuck you…" Seifer replied indifferently, not in the mood for a fight right now.
Suddenly, Squall and Selphie began acting weird. Both of them were covering their ears and wincing, one by one falling onto the ground unconscious.
- "I told you your whining was annoying…" Seifer said mockingly.
- "Shut up!" snapped Rinoa "Something happened to them!"
- "I think," Zell mumbled "I think they went to the 'Dream World' again…"
- "The what?" Seifer asked incredulously.
*******
Squall slowly raised his head from the dirt in the ground and looked up before him. Next to him, Selphie was beginning to wake up as well.
- "Welcome back, Sleeping Beauty." came Seifer's drawling voice.
Squall glared at him. The last thing he needed right now was Seifer's idiotic comments. He slowly got up, dusting off his clothes clean.
- "Laguna and the others again?" asked Zell. Squall nodded.
- "Sir Laguna's in BIG TROUBLE! I hope he'll be OK…" Selphie said.
- "What's the deal with those dreams blondie told us about?" Seifer asked, earning a glare from Zell.
- "We don't know." replied Selphie "From time to time we just pass out and see parts of Sir Laguna's life."
- "But aren't there supposed to be three?" Zell asked.
- "Yeah, we were three this time as well." replied Selphie "Sir Laguna, Kiros and Ward."
- "The other must have been the Instructor then. None of us fell asleep." Zell said.
- "Anyway, we've stalled enough. We'll just be wasting our time trying to figure it out. How's Instructor Trepe?" Squall asked Seifer.
- "No change." replied Seifer "Her pulse is still very weak though, we better get movin'."
Squall nodded and led the way. Zell and Selphie moved forward, closely followed by Seifer. Rinoa caught up with Squall and stopped him.
- "Umm…Squall…" she said shyly "About before… I think I may have said too much. I'm sorry." she apologized.
Squall shrugged, indicating it was OK. A few steps ahead of them, Seifer sighed in frustration and turned back at them.
- "You," he said to Squall "Need to get laid and you," he added, turning to Rinoa "Want to marry him and have his babies. So do us all a favor and get a room or move the fuck on."
The tall blond turned his heel and resumed his way down the path, leaving a dumbfounded Squall and Rinoa behind.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The enormous red building of Galbadia Garden stood out among the dry brownish landscape of Galbadia. It was a known fact that it was the greatest of the three Gardens and also the most strict one. Cheerful chattering, like the one usually heard within the corridors of B-Garden, was completely absent. In fact, the only sounds piercing the silence within the fields and hallways either came from an Instructor, giving orders to students, or from the flying apparatuses on which students rode, hovering on the sky. The five teenagers stared at the entrance for a fair two minutes before speaking.
- "Wow… Completely different…" said Selphie in awe.
- "Sure is quiet." Zell noticed.
- "I like it." Squall said, grinning the slightest bit, making Rinoa giggle.
- "You would, wouldn't you?" Seifer said sarcastically.
- "So what are we gonna do?" asked Selphie.
- "I'm getting Trepe to the Infirmary." Seifer said "From what I know, she used to attend this place for a little while, so there's a chance they'll know her."
- "How do you know she took classes here?" asked Selphie, arching an eyebrow.
- "It was common knowledge in Garden, Messenger-girl." he retorted, narrowing his eyes at her.
- "Yeah," said Zell "Among Trepies!" he added.
Zell and Selphie sniggered. Rinoa cracked a grin, although not knowing what 'Trepies' were and Squall rolled his eyes.
- "Such a big mouth, for such a small person." said Seifer "Remind me Zelly, what was the last situation you're big-ass mouth got us into?" he asked. Zell pursed his lips and lowered his head "Thought so. Now shut it!"
- "Enough." Squall interrupted, to stop the upcoming argument "Seifer, take Instructor Trepe to the Infirmary and I'll go see the Headmaster. You wait here and I suppose they should call you in at some point."
The two men walked inside the military institution, heading for separate ways. After checking out the Directory, Seifer headed towards the Infirmary, while Squall walked up the stairs to the second floor, towards the Headmaster's office. He walked down the corridor, where a sentry stood outside a door.
- "This is an off-limits area, young man." the guard said.
- "I'm here to see the Headmaster." Squall replied.
- "Is he expecting you?"
- "No, but this is a very urgent matter."
- "And what would this matter concern?" asked the guard.
- "I'd rather speak to the Headmaster directly. Tell him I come from Balamb Garden, on the matter of the recent TV broadcast of Timber. He should understand…" Squall replied.
- "Wait here please." said the sentry, knocking on the door and walking inside.
After a couple of minutes' wait, he came back out.
- "The Headmaster will see you now." he said.
Squall nodded at the man and stepped inside the office. As he expected, that certain room mirrored G-Garden's motto of simplicity and strictness as well; it was filled with nothing more than a desk, a couple of armchairs, a big bookcase, only one plant and one modest painting. Behind the desk, sat Martine, Headmaster of Galbadia Garden. Upon entering, Squall saluted him, giving him the trademark SeeD military salute.
- "Squall Leonhart, Balamb Garden SeeD, Rank Eight." Squall spoke.
Martine reciprocated by a mere nod, motioning to Squall to sit down on one of the armchairs.
- "So… Mr. Leonhart. What matter do you wish to speak to me for?" Martine asked.
- "I'm assuming that you are aware of the recent event that took place in the Timber TV Station, am I right, sir?" Squall asked.
- "Affirmative. You're talking of course about the attack against President Deling by Rinoa Caraway." spoke Marine.
- "Rinoa… Caraway?" said Squall puzzled "Don't you mean Rinoa Heartilly?" he asked.
- "No Mr. Leonhart. Rinoa Caraway." repeated Martine.
- "As in… General Caraway?" he asked.
- "Exactly. I suppose she failed to mention the fact that she is General Caraway's daughter?" Martine asked. Squall nodded "I see… We'll discuss that later. What I want to hear now, is how you fit into this story."
- "I'm leading a small group of SeeDs hired by Miss Heart- Miss Caraway. Apparently, her incentive was to gain Timber's liberation, but I'm afraid it wasn't supposed to end this way." spoke Squall "Later on, we were joined by two more SeeD members, one of them an Instructor actually-"
- "Instructor Quistis Trepe?" asked Martine.
- "Yes. How do you-?"
- "I was contacted by the Infirmary. Don't worry; we'll take good care of her until the aircraft to transfer her back to your Garden arrives."
- "Thank you, sir." said Squall "As I was saying, after we were joined by two more members, said incident occurred and we got caught in the middle of it because of our contract with Miss Caraway. The President spoke of retaliation on Balamb Garden, but I'm here to press on the fact that we were only following orders from a client."
- "I understand your situation." said Martine nodding "Your Garden had nothing to do with it. I've already contacted certain authorities after the incident occurred and you should rest assured that it will be classified as an independent action on Miss Caraway's behalf."
- "I see…" said Squall nodding 'But what will become of Rinoa?' he thought "I feel compelled to ask though, sir. What will happen of Miss Caraway?"
- "She need not worry." replied Martine "Her father pulled some… 'strings' with the military and she will face no consequences."
- "Thank you, sir." said Squall.
- "I've given out an order for your group to gather in the Reception room. Go meet them and assemble at the Front Gate. I need to speak to you all about a certain matter." said Martine.
- "May I ask what that concerns?" asked Squall.
- "You will be notified at the designated area. I'll see you again soon Mr. Leonhart."
- "Alright," said Squall getting up "Thank you for your time, sir."
- "You're welcome, soldier."
Squall saluted the Headmaster once more and exited the room. He gave the guard a nod and walked down the hallway and the stairs, to the second floor. Approaching the door, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
- "Hey, Leonhart!" Seifer called, running up the stairs "Wait up…"
- "How's Instructor Trepe?" Squall asked, once Seifer caught up with him.
- "Dunno… They said she's stable for now, but they're transferring her-"
- "Back to Balamb, I know." said Squall "The Headmaster told me."
- "So d'you talk to him?" asked the blond.
- "Yeah, the Garden'll be fine." replied Squall.
- "Good. Just do me a favor!" Seifer said, grinning.
- "What?"
- "Lemme tell Chicken-Wuss that it's being attacked just to mess with him!" Seifer replied, earning a glare from Squall "You're no fun 'Pubes'…"
- "Whatever… Come on, I have to talk to the others about something…" he said, frowning, walking down the corridor.
- "Whatsamatter?" asked Seifer.
- "You'll see… All I can say is that Miss Caraway owes us some explanations…" said Squall indignantly.
- "Whoa, whoa…" said Seifer, grabbing Squall's arm "Who told you about that?" Seifer asked.
- "You knew about this?" Squall asked, narrowing his eyes at the older man.
- "Of course I did. Me and Rinoa go quite some time back…" Seifer replied.
- "Oh… right…" Squall said, arching an eyebrow.
- "Listen, don't say anything in front of the others. At least not yet." Seifer said "Rinoa doesn't want people to know. She wanted to make it on her own and not because of her father's name. 'Sides, they're not on speaking terms." Squall just stared at him "Just talk to her in private before and then if you still wanna do it, do it."
- "And why do you care?" Squall asked.
- "I may not be with her anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't give a damn, Leonhart." Seifer retorted "It's bad enough that we…" he trailed off "Come one let's go."
Squall nodded and walked towards the door, closely followed by Seifer. They found everyone gathered inside, eagerly waiting for some good news, or any news at the very least.
- "So? What happened?" asked Selphie, once the pair entered the room.
- "They understand our situation." Squall said.
- "And Garden?!" Zell asked anxiously.
- "Bombed. Destroyed… Dead corpses everywhere…" replied Seifer, shaking his head. Zell's eyes widened.
- "He's messing with you, Zell." Squall said, glaring at Seifer "Garden's perfectly safe. There won't be any retaliation from Galbadia's part."
Zell sighed in relief and fell back on the couch behind him heavily.
- "So I suppose the blame's all on me, right?" Rinoa spoke silently, in a glum tone.
- "No. All charges were dropped." Squall replied.
- "What? How come?" asked Selphie. Rinoa looked at her "I'm not disappointed!" she exclaimed "Just curious! Honest!"
- "I believe you, Selphie." Rinoa said smiling "Well? How come?" she asked as well.
Seifer looked at Squall intently. Squall returned the gaze and saw in his rival's eyes a look he'd never seen before. Seifer was visibly pleading him not to speak. Squall looked away.
- "Dunno… Probably because you never actually attacked him and let him go in the long run." he replied, shrugging.
- "Oh. I… see…" said Rinoa, caught off guard "I suppose I should be happy then!" she added, grinning.
- "What about Instructor Trepe?" asked Selphie.
- "She's stable." replied Seifer "She'll be transferred to Balamb soon enough. They say she's going to recuperate in due time. Still unconscious though."
- "So all's well? Can we go back home now?" asked Zell eagerly.
- "Not yet. Martine said he had something to talk to all of us about. We are to assemble down at the Gates." replied Squall.
- "Any idea what it is about?" asked Rinoa.
- "None." replied Squall, shaking his head "But we're about to find out, so let's get going."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Headmaster Martine was standing in front of Squall, having just handed him a manila envelope with orders for their next mission. Apparently, this was supposed to be a direct order from both Gardens. Squall opened the envelope and read the document inside. His steel blue eyes widened the slightest bit, but he quickly masked it by blinking. The mission form was ordering them more or less to assassinate the Sorceress. First, they had to accompany Rinoa back to her residence, where they would meet General Caraway and get briefed on the details of the mission. Squall couldn't believe his eyes. It was only a day that he'd been an active SeeD and he was already hired to lead a mission that other –and consequently more experienced- SeeDs wouldn't even dream of being assigned in. Something in the form though, caught his eye. The assassination was supposed to be performed 'by means of a sniper'.
- "The orders say by means of a 'sniper'." he spoke "We have no one with that skill."
- "Don't worry about it." said Martine "Let me introduce an elite sharpshooter from Galbadia Garden. Kinneas! Irvine Kinneas!" he called.
Over by the field next to them, a butterfly fluttered through the air. It landed on the outstretched finger of a boy wearing a long, brown coat and trousers, lying onto the grass. He moved his hand quickly as if he were firing a pistol and stood up, adjusting his cowboy hat, which covered his long brown, pony tailed hair. He turned around, resting his rifle onto his shoulder and a sly smile appeared on his face, lightening up his clear blue eyes. He slowly strode over to them.
- "This is Irvine Kinneas. He will be your sharpshooter." Martine said sharply "Leave whenever you're ready. Failure is not an option."
And with those words, he turned his heel and stepped back inside the car that had brought him there. As soon as he did, that Irvine guy shaped his hand into a pistol and pretended to fire at the Headmaster.
- "BANG!" he said mockingly, then turned over to look at the others "Looks like I'm with you rubes from Balamb. Greetings." he said, tilting his hat at them. Zell clenched his fists "You cool with me helping you?"
- "That dep-" began Squall, but was cut off.
- "You be cool to us and we'll be cool to you. Comprende?" Seifer butted in.
- "Fair enough." agreed Irvine.
- "So, what's our mission?" asked Selphie.
- "Our next mission…" Squall said, sighing "This is no ordinary mission. It's a direct order from both Balamb and Galbadia Garden. We're to… assassinate the sorceress." Zell, Selphie and Rinoa gasped "We're to shoot her from afar. Kinneas will be our sharpshooter. We're to support Kinneas to our fullest. Should the sniper fail, we are to attack head on." Squall finished.
- "Thanks for the support, but I never miss my target…" Irvine said smugly.
- "Well, we'll just see about that, won't we?" Seifer retorted, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
- "ANYWAY," Squall cut in, before Irvine had time to answer "We're going to head to the capital of Galbadia, Deling City. There, we'll meet up with General Caraway to go over the details for the plan. Let's get going."
- "Well then…" began Irvine "We'll need to choose a party for the trip to Deling City."
He walked over to Rinoa and Selphie leaving Seifer, Squall and Zell all in one group. All three guys shot each other sideways glances.
- "How's this?" asked Irvine.
- "*Scoff* Have a good time…" said Squall sarcastically, making Seifer and Zell snigger.
- "Are you being sarcastic?!" snapped Selphie "You are, aren't you? Well fine then! We will have a good time!"
- "We understand very well!" agreed Rinoa, grabbing one of Irvine's arms "Come on Mr. Kinneas, let's go!"
- "Call me Irvine." said the cowboy, grinning from ear to ear "I'm a pretty lucky guy. Hand in hand with two beautiful girls!"
- "Irvy Kinne-poo!" said Selphie, grabbing Irvine's other arm "I'll make you very happy!"
The trio made their way towards the train Station, leaving Seifer, Zell and Squall dumbfounded.
- "Ten Gil he gets beaten up in a matter of ten minutes." Seifer said, pulling a ten Gil bill out of his back pocket.
- "Ten more that he'll get in nine." said Zell, taking out another bill.
- "Seven." said Squall, taking out his own bill.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After less than a couple of hours, the six mercenaries finally arrived outside a luxurious mansion in the far East side of Deling City. Everyone seemed pretty eager about their first real mission, although somewhat nervous. Squall was leading the small group, closely followed by Seifer. Upon reaching the Gate, Squall noticed Seifer's really weird attitude; for some reason, the blond SeeD seemed to feel incredibly awkward and kept pulling the neckline of his vest with his finger.
- "Relax… He's not going to take out his shotgun… again…" Rinoa mumbled at Seifer, walking past him and Squall, to get in front. Squall raised an eyebrow at her comment.
- "Easy for you to say…" replied Seifer through gritted teeth.
- "Am I… missing something here?" asked Squall.
None of the two answered and Rinoa just kept walking ahead. Squall turned around to see the others' reactions, finding Irvine whispering something on Selphie's ear, making her all giggly and Zell looking around, oblivious to the little scene between Seifer and Rinoa. Squall shook his head in disbelief and turned his glance back forward, where he saw Rinoa approaching the guard in front.
- "Hey… What do you-?" began Squall, but Rinoa raised her palm, motioning him to be quiet.
- "I'll handle this." she said coolly, then turned to look at the guard.
- "Is the General… expecting you?" asked the guard, raising an eyebrow.
- "He's expecting the SeeDs, yes." replied Rinoa, crossing her arms.
- "What about you?" asked the soldier.
- "I'm with them." said Rinoa.
- "Miss, I don't know if I can…" began the soldier.
- "Oh, step aside already!" said Rinoa exasperated and pushed the guard aside.
Everyone but Seifer and Squall looked at the sight stunned and they were even more surprised to see that the soldier didn't react. All of them followed Rinoa, Squall walking a bit faster, to catch up with her.
- "What was that?" he asked, his voice betraying hints of anger 'Even if she IS the General's daughter, I should be the one handling this…'
- "Don't worry Squall… I know what I'm doing…" replied Rinoa, still walking towards the entrance of the mansion.
- "You're supposed to be our client, you can't meddle-" Squall began.
- "Just… be patient and you'll see…" said Rinoa firmly, reaching the double doors of the entrance.
The two soldiers guarding the doors opened them and let everyone inside. Another soldier showed them upstairs to the study and asked them to wait there for the General. Irvine made his way to the General's desk and promptly slouched himself onto the chair, crossing his legs onto the desk. Zell sat on the couch, getting up from time to time to swat his fists in the air. Selphie looked outside the window to the decorations of the city for the grand carnival in honor of the Sorceress. Squall stood against a wall, staring blankly, while Rinoa sat quietly onto an armchair, crossing her legs. Everyone seemed pretty calm, except for Seifer, who kept pacing back and forth the room nervously. At some point, Rinoa groaned.
- "Will you stop it already?!" she said to Seifer, irritated.
- "I'd like to see you calm in my shoes!" Seifer snapped back at her.
- "Well, he has kept us waiting for long…" said Zell, obviously missing the point entirely in the ex-couple's conversation.
Rinoa and Seifer turned to look at him. Seifer slapped his palm on his forehead and shook his head in disbelief.
- "Chicken-wuss… Just… shut up…" said Seifer, exasperated.
- "What was that?!" said Zell angrily, getting up from the couch.
- "Quit it." Squall said calmly, glaring at the both of them "I don't think anyone's eager to hear your childish quarrels o0ne more time…"
Zell frowned and sat back down, while Seifer gave Squall the finger. Squall glared at him, his eyes dripping poison. The tension was getting thicker with each passing second inside the room. Suddenly, Selphie, who had been watching the exchange with anxiety, spoke.
- "What's that General been doing so long?!" she said, trying to change the subject.
- "Yeah, where the hell is he?" asked Irvine, getting Selphie's train of thought.
- "Hmph!" groaned Rinoa "He always does this! So discourteous… Making people wait…" she said getting up "I'm gonna go complain. Everyone just wait here." she stated, walking towards the door.
While everyone wondered at her nerve, Rinoa turned around just before leaving and spoke again.
- "Oh, by the way… This is my house, so don't worry…" she said coolly and walked out.
Everyone but Seifer and Squall gasped.
- "What the…?" began Irvine.
- "The father's a top military official and the daughter's a rebel?!" asked Zell confused.
- "But… how?" asked Selphie puzzled.
- "Rinoa and her father never got along…" said Seifer, crossing his arms "So she left her home and joined the 'Forest Owls'."
- "Man, that's fucked up…" mumbled Irvine.
- "Seriously…" agreed Zell nodding.
Right then, the door opened and General Caraway appeared, a strict expression on his face.
- "Where's Rinoa?" asked Selphie immediately.
- "Rinoa is-" began the General, but stopped in mid sentence, upon looking at all his visitors.
His eyes rested on Seifer, who looked somewhat terrified and had been holding his breath ever since the General had entered the room. Caraway's black eyes locked with Seifer's jade ones, looking at him with an enraged expression. Everyone stopped and looked at the two; they'd obviously met before. But why was Caraway looking at Seifer in such a manner? It could almost be interpreted as… unadulterated hatred.
- "You…" said the General hoarsely, his fists clenching.
- "Sir, before you lose your temper, I-" began Seifer, looking as if on the verge of fainting.
- "YOU'VE GOT SOME NERVE COMING BACK HERE, ALMASY!!!"
A/N: Oh yes… Caraway's back and more pissed than ever… ^_^ Also, from this chapter, we say goodbye to our beloved Quisty for another two chapters. Don't worry though, I have something very special planned for her re-appearance ^_~
ON THE NEXT CHAPTER OF 'A SECOND CHANCE':
The group of SeeDs divides into two teams to carry out the assassination plan.
What will happen between Seifer and Edea during their second encounter?