Author's note: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII or its characters. This is for the 30 Kisses challenge using list iota. This is set after the game and is AU. Theme 21: Deja Vu.

Of Knights and Sorceresses

Thunder crashed outside, and Quistis snuggled deeper into her comforter. Despite the fierce storm outside, she was warm and cozy with a mug of tea and a new mystery to read. The only drawback was the fact that her bed was currently empty other than herself. Her husband had been due back from a mission tonight, but he had been delayed due to the storm. Hopefully, he'd be home first thing in the morning. It was something of an inconvenience no longer living at Balamb Garden, but having her own home was worth it.

There was a soft patter in the hallway, and Quistis' bedroom door creaked open.

"Mommy? Will you tell us a story?"

Two six year olds with blond hair a shade or two darker than her own peered into the room. Quistis set aside her book and patted the bed next her. That was all the invitation the twins needed to join her in the bed. Illyria climbed into her lap while Hunter curled up at her side.

"I thought you two were asleep."

Hunter pulled a face. "The storm is scary."

"Can we stay with you?"

Quistis smiled. "Of course. What sort of story do you want to hear?"

"An action story with lots of fighting!" Hunter practically bounced. Her youngest had a sunny personality and was always full of energy, even at nearly midnight.

"A fairytale with a happy ending." Illyria had taken more after herself, except for her sense of humor. Sharp and sarcastic that had mostly come from her father.

She bit back a laugh as they both gave her their father's patented pleading look. Both children had inherited his emerald eyes.

"All right then, once upon a time there was a young knight. In fact, there were two young knights. In many ways they were like brothers, but they didn't get along very well at times. Now, one of the knights accepted a quest to help a lady in distress. However, the other knight also knew this lady and wished to help her as well. He enlisted the help of a wise woman and went after the other knight.

Her audience was enraptured so far. Quistis continued.

"They arrived in the town where the lady and the other knight to find it under attack by an evil sorceress. This sorceress tried to cast a spell on the knight, but the wise woman stopped her. Then the sorceress attacked the wise woman."

Biting her lip, Quistis fought the sense of déjà vu that always came with this story. It had been years ago now, but she could still remember what happened as if it were yesterday. It had been one of the most terrifying times of her life.

"The knight defended the wise woman, and in the course of the battle, it was revealed that she was also a sorceress. The evil sorceress finally left, and the two knights, the wise woman, and the lady were left to figure out a plan to stop her."

"What happened next, Mama?" Illyria's question was followed by a yawn.

"Well, the evil sorceress cast a spell on the lady and tried to take control of her body. The other three worked together to save her, and the wise woman and the knight who had sought her aid discovered that they had fallen in love with each other."

Illyria let a happy little sigh. Hunter snored. Quistis continued the story for the remainder of her audience.

"The knight who loved the lady managed to save her, but then the four of them as well as their allies had to fight the evil sorceress once again. However, before the battle, both of the knights proposed marriage to their ladies."

And Illyria was out like a light. Quistis smiled and turned out the lights.

Seifer crept into the house just before dawn, not wanting to wake his wife and children. He had to bite back a chuckled when he found the scene in his bed. Once again the twins had wanted a late night story it seemed. With a smile, he covered the trio with a spare blanket before kissing his wife on the forehead.

"And they all lived happily ever after."