The Lost Blue Butterfly

Yep, here's chapter 2. I realize that I have many mistakes in previous chapter. But, now I'm quite confident (I've got beta to check the grammar). I wanna say thanks to the reviewers, that means a lot. And, I admit that I'm not a native speaker, so there will be some mistakes here and there, but I'll try my best for the next chapter.

And...I want to say much much thank you to my beta reader, WishingDreamer5, she's really amazing. I wish I can say that to her properly. So, I dedicate this chapter for her. Thank you very much.

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII. It is copyrighted by Square Enix and all other associates

The Mission

"No matter who I meet, the place inside of my heart can't be opened and it keeps your spot empty.

There's no way that you'll come back, but why do I still believe that you might?

Why won't my heart listen to me?"

-2 PM: Heartbeat-

Quistis let out her fifth yawn within ten minutes. Although she had finished her coffee, she still couldn't hold back the sleepiness in her eyes. It was probably because she was depressed these days. She had barely slept four hours a day for a couple of weeks now. The SeeD exam had really been draining all of her energy for weeks now. Cid had already submitted her teaching license and she was now an instructor again. A graduation would be held tomorrow evening, so she had to finish all of the paperwork and have it signed by Cid. There were many cadets that had participated in the exam this year; that meant that the increasing paperwork would fill her room. At first, she was grateful with the job, but soon enough; the blonde woman noticed that it was draining her, sucking the life out of her. She was left exhausted every day. No, that was even an understatement. I don't understand why I accepted this job in the first place, the pretty woman mused, tiredly.

"Quisty!" A high pitch tone was heard, making Quistis's eardrums rang. She was sure that this person's voice was echoing all over the corridor. Without a warning, a pair of arms hugged her from behind. It didn't take the exhausted blonde to figure out right away that Selphie was giving her a bear hug and quite frankly, it was cutting off her air supply. She was nearly lost her ground because of it. She couldn't understand the power this petite girl possessed. It was hard to believe that she was merely an ordinary girl. Perhaps, it would make sense if she was a sorceress or anything alike.

"Selphie!" Quistis let out an angry hiss. At once, her bouncy friend loosened her grip on her and giggled at the taller woman.

"Chill out, Quisty. It's not like I'm planning to murder you," she giggled, tapping her shoulder lightly.

"Right, but you did almost manage to suffocate me and then leave me die as an accident," Quistis grumbled. Selphie laughed at it while she was walking beside her. Her glossy hair was bouncing and she was humming a happy tune, probably a train song. Quistis glanced at her and smiled at her cheerful nature. It was something she started to adore about her throughout the years.

"So, whatcha doing? You seem sleepy," the short hair girl turned her head to look at her blonde friend, noticing unshed tears that pooled in her eyes.

Quistis nodded, rubbing her eyes. "…Yeah, I am. I hardly slept last night."

Selphie tilted her head to the side; a puzzled look was visible on her face, "What made you stayed up all night?"

"These." Quistis shrugged, gesturing a pile of papers in her arm. Her friend wiped out her grin, shocked at the amount of paperwork she's holding.

"Gross. You really are working hard, Quisty," Selphie looked at her with a concern. The blonde beauty let out a sigh and dropped her gaze to the pile of paper she was holding, agreeing all the while with her childhood friend, even if she stayed quite about it.

They continued walking together, chatting about nothing and everything at the same time. Selphie was telling her eagerly about her graduation party concept this year. She was excited about the idea and couldn't wait to show it. Quistis was amused at her story, although she couldn't wait to see it either.

"Ah!" The bouncy girl shrieked suddenly, clapping her hands together. This made her gain her just-now-morning companion's attention at once. "I have to go now. I remember having a meeting with the FC members. I'll be head up first. See ya, Quisty." She waved her hand and rushed to the Quad. Quistis looked at her retreating back, slightly feeling envy toward the bubbly girl. She glanced at the papers she was holding and let out another long-suffered sigh, then continued walking to her office.

Someone had to do this after all.

Thick air was enveloping the room; an almost palpable tension surrounded the two men. They both were very serious. One of them was demanding an answer to satisfy his inquisitiveness; he wished that he could get rid of his anxiety, while the other man was merely trying to avoid eye contact, preparing the explanations the young one requested in his head.

"Tell me everything, Cid," Squall demanded. His gaze was determined.

"I've already told you, Squall."

"You didn't tell me everything." His expression was stoic and he was ready to challenge him. The man gave him a sad smile, as he was trying to assure him that there was nothing he had been hiding from him. It only made Squall's blood boil. The heat radiated to his cheeks, knowing very well that the headmaster was trying to avoid him. However, there was no way he would drop this matter. The brunet male couldn't wait anymore. He would get the answer right here and now.

"You know exactly what I mean," Squall snapped, providing that he could no longer control his anger. "I don't care about shit Galbadia's doing. I don't even bother if it will cause chaos to the world. I just…" Squall was paused here. He looked at the older man. Deep concern showed in his eyes. A frown was visible around his eyes. He seemed so tired. Squall knew that Cid was bothered with the whole Galbadia Campaign, but so was he. He didn't bother to be a selfish bastard if it came into Rinoa, so he couldn't give up on it now. Even though they were bothered with different matters, he was sure that this problem was eating them up. In the other words, they both were in the same boat.

"I just want to know where she is. I need to know that she is safe," Squall spoke softly, almost inaudibly, "Please, just tell me. Tell me everything you'd been hiding from me," he was pleading. There was a crack in his voice. Cid couldn't stand seeing him in this state. He didn't know that his action would cause Squall to be this broken. Of course, he had anticipated it, but he didn't expect it to be this extent. He was separating them for his own selfish reasons.

Cid hung his head, since he couldn't stand seeing Squall like this. His gaze was getting blurry; he fought back the tears that had pooled in his eyes. The graying man walked at the corner of the room and opened a drawer. Silently, he handed a folder to Squall. The brunet man opened it and scanned its contents. His stormy blue eyes widened considerably. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. It was a mission assigned nearly six months ago. Squall double-checked the assignment to be sure that he had seen all the details. He tore his eyes off of the folder and stared at Cid as if it was some kind of joke.

"You can't be serious," was all he said. Doubtful eyes stared at Cid's, waiting for an answer. He was studying the older man's face, wishing fervently that what he had read was untrue.

Cid closed his eyes and said softly, "Yes, Squall. I assigned her as a spy."

Squall thought that his legs turned into noodles at that moment. He could no longer stand his ground and dropped himself in a nearby chair, registering the explanation he demanded so badly only a few minutes ago. A shock was written all over his face. He simply couldn't believe the headmaster had been planning it behind his back. He turned his gaze to the guilty male. His expression was nothing but regret, for he was sorry for him. But Squall didn't need a pity, he didn't need an excuse. The shocked brunette closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind and steadying his breath. After he had recovered slightly, he opened his eyes again; his gaze was terrifyingly cold, a determined look lingering in his stormy orbs. He would make sure Rinoa was withdrawn from this mission, even if it could cost him his commander title. He would gladly trade it for her safety.

"Morning, Xu." A brief tapping on her desk made the Galbadian woman tore her gaze away from the monitor.

"Oh, Quistis, nice to see you," Xu gave her a genuine smile. A frown appeared on her forehead, as she noted, "You don't look well, by the way."

The pretty woman let out a sigh. This is the second time that people told me that this morning, she thought. "Yeah, I was staying up all night, finishing this report. You know, I doubt I can do this in a few months."

Xu let out a chuckle. "I don't think so. Although you think that sucks now, you'll feel challenged to do it, anyway. In the end, you'll probably even finish it before the deadline."

Quistis nodded, silently agree with her statement.

"So, what can I do for you?" Xu asked.

"Right," the blonde imaginably slapped her head, remembering her intention. She didn't come to Cid's office merely to have chitchat with Xu, after all. "I need to get Cid's signature for the reports. Is he in his office?"

"Yeah, but I'm afraid you can't see him now." An apologetic smile crossed in her face.

Quistis tilted her head, confused, "Is he in a meeting?"

Xu was squirming in her seat, finding it slightly hard to answer her question. Quistis was aware of it. "What's the matter, Xu?"

The short-hair woman looked up at her and spoke, "Actually, Headmaster is having a conversation with the Commander."

The blonde was puzzled with her friend's uneasiness, but she didn't want to push her. "Alright then, is it fine that I wait in his waiting room? I'm afraid this can't wait," she pointed with her eyes at the folders she was holding. Xu shook her head and cast an apologetic smile. The woman sighed and said that she would come back later.

A bright ray of sunshine filled the ballroom. The ornaments adorned the whole room. The stage was garnished with dim colorful lamps in each stair. At the corner of the room, two pine trees stood with cranes hanging to them. Selphie was more than pleased with her work. She couldn't wait till the graduation party.

She was briefing other members about the decoration. "There will be flower arc placed in the stage," she explained as she moved her arms forming an arc. "Then, a mountain of glass will be placed on each side of that wall so that they can serve themselves freely." She pointed her finger to each side of the wall to make her point clear. "And then, a podium will be placed at the center of the stage, but it'll be moved after Cid finishes his speech, otherwise it may bother the band while performing. And then," she touched her chin staring at the wall in front of her in deep thought, "Don't you think we should stick wallpaper to that side? It will be dull without it." And again the energic young woman pointed her finger toward the wall. The other members nodded, taking note of everything she was saying.

"Sean, could you check if we still have any wallpaper left?" Selphie turned her head toward the man beside her, who nodded briefly. "Evy, you should call the florist to make sure they have the bouquets delivered tomorrow morning. I want them fresh," she instructed a girl in front of her.

Selphie double-checked her to-do list making sure there was nothing left.

"Wow, isn't it marvelous, Selph?"

Selphie grinned at her new companion. "Of course it is!" She placed her hands on her waist and tilted her chin. A smirk crossed her face. She felt proud of herself.

"It will be the most appealing party ever," Irvine said, looking around the huge room. Selphie was pleased to hear that. She hoped everyone would have the same impression like he did.

She was discussing with the cowboy whether she should invite a band instead of an orchestra to rock the party. She was positive that everyone preferred a band. After all, they were teenagers. As they lost themselves in conversation, Sean was approaching them.

"Selphie, we are running out of wallpaper. Although we still have some of it, I'm afraid it won't be enough to cover the entire wall," he informed.

Selphie pouted her lips, wondering how to deal with this. She was planning to have it delivered right away, but then decided against it. It would probably be better if she chose the pattern by herself. She glanced at her watch, as she decided to make up her mind. If I go now, maybe I will make it on time, she thought.

"Alright, I'll go buy them."

Cid was having a hard time trying to convince Squall about the mission. It was hard to hide the rest, since he had already crossed the river, it would be impossible not to get wet. It was the risk he should face. The result of this mission depended on his answer. He didn't have any other option but to tell Squall everything. This mission was on the edge of failure.

Squall was waiting for Cid. He had made up his mind; he was ready to listen to his explanation. The older man took a deep breath. He opened his mouth, but closed it again, when he found himself being at lack of words. At this point, Squall was getting really impatient. He didn't have all day. While Cid was buying time, Rinoa's safety might be in danger. He didn't want to take any risk; he had to push Cid harder. There was no other way.

"Why did you involve her in this mission? It was dangerous, it could cost her life and you knew it," Squall said, slowly raising his voice after every word. He now didn't bother to give him a respect. For him, it was not a conversation between headmaster and commander anymore, but between a knight and the person who threatened his sorceress' life. If the matter got worse, he was ready to turn his back from him. Rinoa's safety was his priority. For her, he was ready to face the worst.

"It was because of what she is, Squall," Cid inhaled deeply, and then continued, "After the Second Sorceress War, the chaos didn't stop even though you had killed Ultimecia. There was a vacuum ascendancy during the transition and Vincent was using this chance. Although without sorceress, Galbadia possesses a power over the other political groups. Timber and Dollet are still dominated even before the war ended, and now Winhill." Cid let out a long sigh; he felt this matter was getting worse every time they spoke. He took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. It was his trademark sign, indicating that he was tired. It was not because Squall was pushing him, but more because how he was trying to save the mission while at the very same time, giving Squall the answer he desperately wanted.

Squall let his head drop. He understood the politics that Galbadia was playing; but letting Rinoa involved without informing him at the first place just simply enraged him. They had been planning it all behind his back. They were letting him in the dark for such a long time. Squall was disappointed in her. She had accepted the mission without telling him first. As upset as he was toward her, he couldn't place himself to blame her.

"Why her? She has never had any military training. She is merely a civil." Squall turned his head facing Cid. "You said that Galbadia didn't need a sorceress' back to wage his campaign, but why did you hand her over?" Now, Squall was practically shouting.

Cid was facing Squall fully now and he was getting angry as well. "Don't you get it, Squall? Rinoa is the only sorceress living on this earth. She is considered as a threat by Galbadia. Having her on our side will make her as a target! It will put her in danger. Submitting her in the mission was also saving her life." Cid was panting. He took a deep breath to appease his fury.

A pregnant silent filled the room. Both men were facing each other fully. They were not angry anymore, but thick, palpable atmosphere was still enveloping the room. Although the tension between them had lessened, they didn't tear their gaze away. They were challenging each other. Cid knew that Squall was not satisfied with his explanation, but he also didn't want to lose this silent battle. Tearing away his gaze would let Squall dominate the situation. He would push him even further. And he didn't please with the idea at all.

Squall was certainly not pleased with the situation. He knew that Cid didn't give him the proper explanation. He was the first one who tore the eye contact. A smirk formed on his lips. He walked slowly toward him, "You are avoiding my question, Sir. I didn't ask the reason you assigned Rinoa on the mission. The question I asked was why you chose her. Let me state it in the other words, why did you send her away?" Squall was now towering over him, as he answered the question for headmaster himself, "You are afraid that Garden will be entangled in Galbadia affairs. You are scare that they will destroy your precious Garden. The whole 'saving her life' was a sweet nothing for you. You are afraid they will take the Garden away from you, so you gave her a mission saying you're protecting her from harm. The spy thing was merely your way to cover your fear. You didn't want anything to do with Galbadia in the first place. The only think you're concerned about is how to put Garden away from harm. You are saving Garden by sacrificing her. At the very beginning, Rinoa was merely a sacrifice for you."

Squall turned his body away from him. He was on his way toward the door. As his hand touched the handle, Cid spoke softly to him, "No, Squall. I was not the one who sent her away, but she. She was the one who offered herself as a spy; she was the one who said that she was capable of accomplishing the mission. She is doing her mission willingly."

Squall slightly froze at his spot when those last words sank in, but he quickly pulled himself together. With that, he opened the door and left the room.

The tension in the room lessened considerably as soon as the Commander had left. Cid was finally able to let out the breath he was holding. His mind was fuzzy; he couldn't stand his ground anymore and let himself drop to the ground. He stared at the door for a moment, knowing deep in his heart that he had failed the mission. He had failed Garden.

Quistis was tapping with her fingers on her desk in a fast rhythm. She was getting impatient and that was clearly showing. Her work would be undone without Cid signing her paper. The blonde beauty looked at a clock on her desk. It's taking them quite long. They should have done chatting by now. With that mind, she took the folders and headed to Cid's office.

Quistis noticed that Xu was not working at her desk at the moment. She probably just went to the restroom. She wanted to wait for her, but she was tempted to finish her work immediately. The graduation would be held tomorrow evening and she had to finish her reports before then. And then, it looked like Squall had already left Cid's office. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to enter his office. She was about to knock on his door when she heard sobbing inside the room. There was a soft voice, a woman voice. Probably, Cid is having conversation with Matron. She was ready to take her leave.

"It was my entire fault." A heartbreaking sobbing was heard from the room, as the person continued, "He was right. I was using her. I sacrificed Rinoa for my own selfishness."

Quistis stopped in her tracks, freezing at her spot. She couldn't tear her gaze away from the door. She knew that she should not eavesdrop their conversation, but it involved Rinoa; she had to know. The blonde walked closer to the door and listened carefully.

Edea was tapping her husband's back, trying to sooth him. "I put her in danger. I was using her to protect Garden. I know Galbadia cherished a sorceress, so I handed her to them. I tried to avoid an ambush by sacrificing her. I'm bad, Ed." Cid broke down into heart-breaking cry.

Edea was kneeling beside him and hugging him. Seeing her husband in this state broke her heart. She said softly in his ears, "No, dear. You're protecting her. You sent her away to protect her from harm. You know that they will never give up until they get her."

Quistis didn't believe what she had just heard. She gulped, trying to collect herself together. Cold sweat drenched over her body making her shiver despite of the low temperature that the air conditioner in Cid's waiting room was providing her. A soothing tune was heard from inside the room. She couldn't stand it anymore; she left the office in rush, not noticing Xu greeting at her.

Quistis was panting. She already knew the reason Rinoa disappeared out of the blue. She didn't know what to do. The woman was sure of one thing; she didn't have the right to interfere in this matter. It was a politics, and taking the wrong step would cause destruction to one of the parties. Cid was saying that he did this in order to protect Garden. Of course, she would do the same thing. After all Garden was her home. She would do everything to protect Garden from harm, even if it meant that she had to sacrifice Rinoa.

An orange sun adorned the sky of Balamb. A sun set at the line of the horizon. Selphie was enjoying the scenery in a deck of Balamb Sea. She was relaxing her worn muscles after decorating the ballroom all the day long. She decided to indulge herself, giving her a moment to enjoy life. As she was enjoying the pleasant breeze, a man gripped her arms from behind, making it impossible for her to move. She squirmed to get free, but the man only tightened his grip around her. She could tell that her arms would probably break if she struggled harder.

"Stop it! You'll break her arms," another man shouted.

The man released his grip, making Selphie stumble forward because of his height. The usually bubbly girl rubbed her arms which were feeling slightly numb, and lifted her head toward the voice. Her sight was slightly blurry, a result of starring sunset too long. She blinked several times until her vision slowly came back to normal again, and then she widened her eyes with realization. There stood a man in front of her; a stoic expression was on his strict face.

"We need to talk Miss Tilmitt. I believe we've met before, but let me officially introduce myself to you." He extended his arm toward her, giving her a handshake to her boneless-like arm and ignoring her shocked expression. "I'm General Caraway of Galbadia Army. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Author: So, how's it? I wonder what General Caraway did to Selphie. Stay tune...

Rinoa will appear in chapter 3. Although her scene is not quite long, I believe you want to know about her, right? Stay tune in The Lost Blue Butterfly.

P.S. Please, leave a review. Otherwise, I may not realize my mistake. You can criticize about my writing or anything. It's not anything, but I just want to improve my writing skill. Thank you very much.

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