Pure Morning

The title for this is based on the song by Placebo. It's not a songfic, it's just a chapter that I named after a song. I think the dream sequences the trio share are kinda creepy in a sense, the fact that they have no idea what's going on, and that they all experience it is very odd. The song is also very strangely creepy. I think this part of the lyrics of the song is similar to the dream sequences:

"A friend in need's a friend indeed,
A friend who'll tease is better,
Our thoughts compressed,
Which makes us blessed,
And makes for stormy weather."

They are blessed in a sense that they are the three that are allowed to see the past, and they are experiencing the dream as a group of friends, and well, stormy weather means bad things may happen, and they will. (It is a Final Fantasy y'know!) Heh, anyhoo, this is up until the end of the Laguna dream. I don't own any rights to the game, the characters, or the song "Pure Morning."

Selphie jumped up quickly, and looked at her alarm clock. It didn't go off! She was supposed to be meeting Xu on the 3rd floor half an hour ago! She pulled on her SeeD uniform and ran out of her dorm.

When she arrived on the 3rd floor, Xu smiled at her, and Selphieran towards her.

Selphie: I'm sooo sorry I'm late! My alarm clock didn't –

Xu: No problem, don't worry. Listen, go tidy yourself up, change into something comfortable, and wake up Squall and Zell. Be at the front gate at Nine thirty a.m.

Selphie: Let me guess, Nida's already been here?

Xu: Well, yes. Right on time actually…

Selphie rolled her eyes. Goody-goody Nida…grr…

Xu: But, his mission is to join Headmaster Cid at a meeting later today. Otherwise he has a free day. You three however are heading out to Timber. The Headmaster himself will tell you more at the gate. Now, go! You don't have long!

Selphie sped back down to the dorm, and knocked loudly on Zell's door. A dishevelled Zell opened it, and mumbled "Hi…" quietly. It was strange to see Zell without masses of gel in his hair.

Selphie: Hangover?

Zell nodded, and Selphie pushed her way past him, and into his room. He hadn't owned the room for longer than a day, but it was already cluttered with clothes. He looked down at her, surprised and angry, but too tired to do anything about it.

Zell: Why…are you here?

He pressed his hand up against his head, and squinted, his headache worsening.

Selphie: We have a mission, we're going to Timber. Dress in comfortable clothes, and be down at the front gate by half past nine. You don't have long. Quick!

Selphie walked back to the front door as Zell took off his vest.

Selphie: Oh, and take a painkiller or two. I'll give you a hangovercure when we meet later, okay?

Before he could reply she shut the door. She ran to her room, and practically ripped off her clothes, pulling her yellow dress over her head. She zipped up some brown boots, and reached into her desk drawer, pulling out a vial, filled with purple liquid. She grabbed her nunchakus, locked her door, and ran towards Squall's room. She waited inside for a moment or two, before he emerged from the bathroom fully clothed. His room was clean and tidy, and he already looked ready to go. He glared at her, and she smiled forcefully back up at him.

Selphie: Squall, it's our first SeeD mission! Looks like we're going to Timber. Meet by the front gate. Hurry!

She ran towards his door, and as she opened it, she remembered last night.

Selphie: Oh! Give your old dorm key to the next SeeD you see, preferably Xu.

She turned the door handle, but remembered something else.

Selphie: Oh! And I'm, going to kill you for causing so much hassle last night! Now move it!

She ran down the corridor, and through the halls, until she reached the gate. She saw the Headmaster and a creepy Faculty member already waiting. As she ran closer she attempted to bow and salute, but looked like he was imitating a chicken. She stood still, looking at the floor, waiting. She was too shy and uncomfortable to look at the Headmaster. Finally a sullen Squall arrived. The two stood waiting in silence, for a few more minutes.

Headmaster Cid: Does he know about the mission?

Selphie: Um…I told everyone sir!

She saluted the Headmaster, and he smiled at her.

Headmaster Cid: No need for that Miss Tilmitt.

The Garden Faculty member interrupted, tapping his watch and glaring at Squall and Selphie.

Garden Faculty: ...One more minute...

Suddenly a loud noise erupted from the left, and someone could be seen flying on a T-board. Selphie recognised the person as they got closer. They circled everyone and then landed swiftly, kicking the T-Board off of the floor, and into their hand.

Selphie smiled and waved a little. It was Zell.

Zell: Made it!

Garden Faculty: T-Boards are prohibited within Garden. Have you forgotten?

Zell: Oops, sorry! But this is really cool. It may come in handy on a SeeD mission, someday.

Garden Faculty: We'll be the judges of that. Confiscate it.

Another Faculty member stood nearby marched towards them. They reached out and took the T-Board from Zell, who looked on sadly.

Garden Faculty: All of you are members of SeeD, but... Nevertheless, you're still students at this Garden. Furthermore, because you are SeeDs, you must set an example to all others and abide by the Garden's rules. Understood!

All three nodded, and Zell walked over to stand nearby the others.

Headmaster Cid: Well, about your first mission... You are to go to Timber. There, you will be supporting a resistance faction. That is your mission. A member of the faction will contact you at Timber Station.

Garden Faculty: This person will talk to you and say, 'The forests of Timber sure have changed'. At this time, you must reply, 'But the owls are still around'. That is the password.

Selphie glared at the Faculty member. It's as if they run the Garden! Interrupting the Headmaster like that! I thought he paid their wages, no-one interrupts their boss! Selphie had pondered the Garden Faculty's bitterness for a while now. Why were they so cold?

Headmaster Cid: Just follow the faction's orders.

Zell squinted at the Headmaster, his head obviously still hurting.

Zell: Uh... Just us 3?

Garden Faculty: Correct. We have agreed to do this mission for very little money. Normally, we would never accept such requests, but...

Headmaster Cid: Enough talk about that. Well then, Squall, you are the squad leader. Use your best judgement based on the situation. Zell and Selphie, you are to support Squall and give your all to carry out the faction's plans.

Zell and Selphie saluted the Headmaster, and followed Squall, who wandered off without a word. The group had just entered Balamb when Zell turned to Selphie.

Zell: Um…Sel…About this hangover cure…

Selphie grinned and pulled the purple vial from her pocket. She waved it in front of him.

Selphie: It's a mix of Owl's tears from Timber, and Trabia Forest's Ochu juice!

Zell: Yuck! For Heaven's sake Selph! You didn't drink that did you!

Selphie: This is my one of my last, so I have to go back to Trabia Garden to get some more, but…well, yeah!

Zell: Ochu juice is poisonous!

Selphie sighed.

Selphie: You are so narrow-minded! Not if it's prepared right! It's fine to drink, just drink it!

Zell backed away.

Selphie: Squaaaall! Help me pin him down!

Squall sighed and walked behind Zell, holding his arms behind his back, keeping him still.

Selphie: If you won't drink it Zell, I'll make you! You're a danger to the mission if you carry on in pain like that!

Zell: Squall! Tell her! I'm fine as I am!

Squall: …She's right…It's inevitable we'll fight at some point, and if you are already ill to start with…we'll lose, and we'll die.

Zell looked at Selphie in shock, obviously worried at what Squall had to say. Selphie saw the chance she had, and ripped the cork out of the vial, and opened his mouth, before pouring the purple mixture down his throat. Squall let him go and Zell slumped forward, holding his neck.

Zell: Ergh!

He tried to spit it up, but he couldn't. Selphie smiled at Squall and ran ahead towards the station. As she ran she turned around to call the others.

Selphie: Got ya Zelly-kins! Come on you two!

Squall bought a train ticket and the three waited to board.

Selphie: Don't you feel better now?

Zell: Well…yeah…works well doesn't it?

Selphie grinned, and patted his shoulder.

Zell: Still didn't like it though. Never again. Nevvvver.

Squall: Come on, the train's ready to go now.

The three got on one by one, and looked around in awe.

Zell: This train is awesome! A transcontinental railroad, baby! It even runs through an underwater tunnel to get to Timber.

He turned to Squall and grinned.

Zell: Pretty cool, huh?

Squall: Sure is...

Zell: Guess you're not interested. By the way, Squall... You have to use the ticket to get inside.

Squall walked towards the control panel and inserted the ticket.

Squall: Ok, we can go inside now.

A loud computerised voice spoke; "ID Check: Confirming... Access granted..."

Selphie: I'm gonna check out the front. Tee-hee! Thanks!

Selphie skipped off down the hall. Zell watched her leave, and looked over at Squall. He wanted to follow.

Zell: Let's go check it out, Squall.

Zell ran in after Selphie, and smiled, speaking to her.

Zell: Yo, check it out! So this is SeeD's private cabin...!

Selphie didn't pay much attention however, as she was too entranced by the sights through the window. She could see Zell enter the SeeD cabin through the corner of her eye.

Zell: WHOA! OHHH YEAHHH! AWESOME!

She smiled. It was nice to hear him so happy. Or so enthusiastic, whatever he felt…it was…nice. She thought about him a lot as she watched the view. She could hear the two talking loudly inside the cabin.

Zell: Heh-heh. This is sooo cool!

Squall: ...I'm glad you're so excited.

Selphie grinned again. He's so cute.

Zell: They even have magazines here. This is pretty damn amazing. It pays to be a member of SeeD! Squall, y'know anything about Timber?

Squall: I don't care.

Zell: C'mon Squall. Don't be like that... I wanna tell you!

Selphie turned and looked through the door. C'mon Squall, hear him out…Selphie turned her back to the window. Hrgh…Selphie held her head in her hands. It felt as though it was spinning. Maybe it was because she was staring out of the window so much… Ergh…

Squall: All right...

Zell: Yep, that's what I wanted to hear. Allow me to explain briefly. Timber used to be a country surrounded by deep forests. But 18 years ago, Galbadia invaded. Timber fell quite easily to Galbadia. So now Timber is under Galbadian occupation. It's said there's a whole bunch of resistance factions, big and small.

Squall: ...And?

Ow…Selphie could still hear the others, but felt as though they were fading away. She felt dizzy…and tired…She turned towards them, but sank to the floor, feeling as though her hangover had come back full-force. Maybe that potion…maybe it was a bad batch…maybe she HAD poisoned herself…

Zell: Nope, that's it.

Squall: ... ...Thank you, Mr. Know-It-All-Zell.

Selphie pulled herself up, holding onto the bar below the window, she walked through the doorway, following the voices.

Zell: Hey, no prob!

Selphie came into view, holding her head. She stood in the centre of the room, the throbbing going away, being replaced by exhaustion.

Selphie: I'm not...feeling well...

Squall: You should get some rest if you're tired.

Selphie: I'm really sleepy...

Zell stared at her, confused but concerned.

Squall: You ok?

She walked slowly towards Zell.

So tired…so tired…I can't stand up…I can't…stand…up…so…sleepy…

Zell: Hey...? Huh? What the...?

Selphie collapsed on the seat next to him, her head on his knee. She was semi-conscious, she could hear the things going on around her, but everything was black. Suddenly Zell felt it too. He struggled, but finally stood up.

Zell: Somethin's wrong with me, too... I...feel...sleepy...

Squall: What's going on?

Zell stumbled, and collapsed back onto the chair, and fell asleep beside Selphie.

It was Squall's turn.

Squall: Ugh? ...What is this?

Squall tripped backwards, trying to find somewhere to sit, to relax, but he didn't make it. Selphie could feel Zell beside her, and she could sense Squall ahead. She heard a crash in front of her. It was Squall collapsing. Everything went darker than it was before, and then it turned white.

Selphie opened her eyes, and saw a large man stood beside her. She looked even further ahead, and saw a dark haired and handsome stranger.

Ward: Uhh, Laguna, are you sure this is the right way?

Selphie: (Huh?)

Ward: Hoo-boy, not again...

Selphie blinked.

Selphie: (Who the heck are these people! Laguna! Huh!)

She suddenly chased after Laguna, not knowing where she was, and where she was going. After awhile, he came to a sudden halt.

Ward: Hey, aren't we here to fight a war? You know, against the almighty Timber army?

Suddenly her mouth opened, and she found herself talking. But it wasn't her voice that spoke. It was a man's voice.

Kiros: Yeah, so why are we wasting our time messin' with these animals?

Selphie: (Oh my…This HAS to be a dream…but…it's too…realistic…this is sooo creepy!)

Laguna: Well, you see... It's just that, uhh...

She began to talk again. She felt more comfortable than before.

Kiros: Don't tell me we're lost again.

Laguna: Anyway... We're goin' home. Deling City, here we come!

Ward: W-Wait! Laguna!

The group ran towards a large vehicle. The next thing she saw was Deling City. She'd seen pictures on the internet, but she'd never actually been there. For all she knew, this wasn't what it actually looked like…seeing as it was a dream…or at least, she hoped it was.

Ward: H-Hey! You can't park in the middle of the street!

Laguna: Chill man, it's cool. Alright then! How about a drink?

Kiros: We're not just here for the booze, are we? We've got a war to fight.

Ward: So we'll get smashed, and then we'll CHAAARGE!

Laguna: Kiros, Ward... You two seem to misunderstand. I just want to have a friendly drink with you two.

She felt herself following Laguna to a nearby street. They entered a building called "The Galbadian Hotel".

Selphie: (How original. Wait…Hang on…I'm a…Galbadian?)

This fact had evaded Selphie up until this point. They walked down into a dark bar, and were approached by a waitress.

Waitress: Welcome! Your usual table is ready.

Laguna: Alright, I'm there! Thanks!

The group sat down at a table, close to the stage.

Selphie: (Laguna's pretty cute!)

Laguna: At ease, men. We're goin' all out tonight, right boys?

Waitress: May I take your order?

Laguna: The usual!

Kiros: Me too.

Ward: Keep 'em coming! So, Laguna... Julia should be making her appearance soon. You goin' for it tonight?

Kiros: Yeah, go for it!

Laguna: What-ever, man! Can't you see she's working?

Kiros: Don't go back on your word. C'mon, go wave to her.

Laguna: Give me a break...

Selphie was so confused. So…her dream was about a guy called Laguna, who fancied a pianist? Not as fun as other dreams she'd had lately, but at least Laguna was cute.

Ward: So you say, but we know you'll do it.

Laguna got up, and walked over to see "Julia" as she played.

Selphie: (She's still playing dumbass!)

Laguna began to walk awkwardly, waved and hopped back towards the others.

Kiros: Good work, Laguna.

Ward: Mission successful!

Kiros: Here, have a seat.

Ward: I didn't think you'd actually do it. Our popularity rating's gone up a point.

Selphie was getting bored. She was so confused. Dreams weren't usually like this…she'd never had a dream in which she had possessed someone's body before…and…well…she hadn't even possessed them fully. They still moved on their own, talked on their own…

Kiros: Yeah, but you cut a pretty pitiful figure up there. I'd say

you're about a -3 on the manliness scale.

Laguna: Say what you want! Julia sure is pretty...

Kiros: Aaa...

Ward: Hunhhh...?

Kiros: Laguna, we're takin' off.

Laguna: H-Hey! What's the rush?

Ward: It's on us tonight. Relax and stay awhile, Laguna.

Her body got up and stood nearby, watching as "Julia" walked up to Laguna.

Julia: May I?

Laguna: Aaaaa...

Julia: Did I interrupt anything?

Laguna: N-N-N-Not at all. P-Please, s-sit down.

Julia: You ok now?

Laguna: Kind of...

Julia: How's your leg?

Laguna: L-Leg? Oh, this? Y-Yeah, it's fine. Happens all the time when I get nervous.

Selphie: (Aww…how romantic…)

Julia: Were you nervous?

Laguna: Oh, yeah. I'm still kinda...

Julia: You can relax. You don't have to get nervous around me.

Laguna: Oh, sorry.

Julia: Say...

Julia began to whisper to Laguna.

Laguna: I-In your room!

Julia: Well...

Julia whispered again, and Kiros leaned forward along with everyone else in the bar, attempting to listen in.

Julia: If you'd like to, please come by. I've been waiting to

talk to you. You don't want to?

Laguna: Of course I do!

Julia: Then I'll go ahead and wait for you. Ask for my room at the front desk, ok?

Julia left, walking up the stairs slowly. Laguna followed soon after.

Selphie found herself talking again.

Kiros: So…

Selphie was getting fed up. She tried with all her might to talk through the body, forcing it as hard as possible.

Kiros: Heeey! Ya wanna go listen in!

Selphie had done it! Kiros put his hand over his mouth, he had no clue what had just happened, and why he would act like that. Ward, the bigger man looked shocked too.

Selphie: (Heheheh. I'll try again.)

But before she could, a familiar voice came out of Ward's mouth.

Ward: Yeah man! Hey, um…d'ya think they have hot-dogs here?

Selphie's mind raced. Was that Zell!

Selphie: (I'll ask!)

However, just as she started trying, Kiros and Ward started up a conversation of their own, talking nervously. It was as though they knew someone else was possessing them, and as though they wanted to repress it.

Selphie: (Hrmph.)

Kiros and Ward left the bar, and took the lift up to the 2nd floor. They began walking around, until they heard Laguna's voice coming through a door. The two sat silently on the floor next to the door, listening in.

Laguna: So, like, the other day, one of my articles made the reader's

column. Pretty cool, huh? Yeah, that was way cool...

Julia: I'm happy for you.

Laguna: Oh yeah, and then...

Outside Kiros and Ward were rolling their eyes.

Kiros: Talking all about himself, never listening.

Ward: Again.

Selphie: (Okay Kiros, prepare to be possessed!)

Selphie tried again, forcing her words through.

Kiros: Um, Zell!

Kiros cupped his head in his hands, closing his eyes tightly. Maybe he didn't know what was going on…hmm…

Ward: Selph!

Oh my…this is ONE freaky dream…what now! Selphie thought quickly, but before she could answer, something rang in Kiros' pocket. He looked nervously at Ward, and they didn't mention the previous incident. Kiros pulled out a small communicating device, and pressed a button on it. A voice sounded.

Voice: Kiros, Ward, Laguna, meet at the Presidential Residence immediately, I repeat, Kiros, Ward, Laguna, meet at the Presidential Residence immediately.

Kiros: Sir, we'll be there!

He pressed the off switch, and the pair stood up.

Selphie wasn't at all happy with this. It was a cute dream, what with the handsome Laguna and his romance, but…she didn't understand it at all. What was the significance of it!

Kiros knocked on the door.

Kiros: Laguna! New orders! Meet by the Presidential Residence, on the double!

Julia: Can we meet again?

Laguna: Of course! I have to come hear you sing!

Laguna walked out, and as Kiros caught his eye, everything seemed to fade.

Train Announcement: Next stop, Timber... Timber... Next stop, Timber...Timber...

Selphie blinked and saw the ceiling of the cabin. She looked up again and saw Zell, who was brushing her hair from her face.

Selphie: What…happened?

Zell: You fell asleep, then me, then…well, Squall.

He pointed at Squall, who was laid out on the floor. For a long moment Selphie just stared into Zell's blue eyes, and didn't think about anything else. I'm back…I'm talking to Zell, and I'm back...

Selphie suddenly realised what she was doing, and jumped up, and stood next to Squall.

Train Announcement: Next stop, Timber... Timber... Next stop, Timber...Timber...

Squall started to move, and pushed himself up from the floor.

Squall: Were we...all asleep?

Zell: Maybe someone released some sleeping gas? There's lots of people who resent SeeD.

Selphie began to bounce around.

Selphie: Am I missing anything? Anyone hurt?

Squall: ...I don't think so.

Selphie: What a relief! Everything's cool with me! Hee! I had such a nice dream!

She looked up, and caught Zell's eye. If he had really been in my dream, he'd have mentioned it by now…yup-yup…it was just a dream…just normal…Selphie rationalised.

Train Announcement: We will be arriving in Timber shortly. For those getting off, please be sure you have all your belongings.

She was getting bouncier and happier, and wanted to tell everyone everything about her dream.

Selphie: But seriously, Sir Laguna was sooo cool!

Zell: Hey! There was a Laguna in my dream, too! He's a Galbadian soldier, right?

Squall: Laguna, Kiros, and Ward...

Zell: Huh! That's it!

Selphie thought to herself. He WAS there! This is so…creepy…

Squall: That's what...?

Selphie: There's no way we can understand this... Let's just concentrate on our first mission!

Squall: We'll put this incident on hold. I'll report it to the headmaster once we get back to Garden.

Zell: We should be there soon, eh? Here we go... Psyche yourself up, baby!

Selphie: Whew... Still sleepy.

Zell got up, punching air.

Squall: ...

Selphie looked around at the other two. This was the strangest morning she'd ever had…maybe it was something to do with all the champagne she had the night before. Or maybe SeeD's were given new powers, to see the future, to possess people, stuff like that. Maybe she was blessed…hmm…whatever it was, Selphie could tell it was bad news…the road ahead would be a stormy one.

Hope you enjoyed that chapter. Please Read and Review, don't Flame.