The Lost Blue Butterfly

Yup, here's chapter 3. Enjoy.

Still, thanks for my lovely beta reader WishingDreamer5. She is really a good writer and I recommend you to see her stories. you won't be disappointed.

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

Trap of Salvation

"A secret is told, but the body rejected.

A smile is a question, but the end is expected."

- Steven Wilson: Salvaging -

Squall walked with an empty gaze toward his desk, a blank expression adorning his facial features. Piles of paperwork were scattered over his desk, unfinished. About half an hour ago he was very irritated; simply because those damn things loused his office, but as for now, he did not even care about them; hell he didn't even care to finish them right away.

The conversation that he'd had with Cid ten minutes ago was still ringing in his head. Rinoa's photographs with Vincent; how she was chatting with the president casually, Rinoa with the Galbadia Army, and then Cid's confession about the mission that he had been running behind his back. Photographs. The report. Galbadia Army. Cid's confession. The attack. The mission. Rinoa as a spy. The campaign. Rinoa's self-sacrifice. Everything was spinning around and around in his head. Squall fell back in his leather chair, gripping his hair and expecting if he did so, it would reduce dizziness that plagued him.

Piles of paperwork that still littered his desk only worsened his headache. Feeling irritated, he threw all the paperwork away from his desk making them all splattered abysmally on the floor. He felt stupid for not realizing this before. For half a year he tried to forget everything about her, so that when she returned, she would feel guilty. He learnt from his childhood weakness. He might not be able to stop Ellone from leaving, but not to Rinoa. Threatening... was a sort of love turned inside out. He was afraid that she would abandon him one day, so he could throw tantrum at her endlessly. The Garden was wrong. The true meaning of being strong was not to never falter to any condition, but the ability to get up every time you were beaten down. He would face this storm, he would never falter to face this love. However, it was the same damn weakness that allowed her sucked in the deep of pitfall.

"Hell, this sucks, all of it. No, I'm the one who sucks. Oh Hyne, Rinoa," Squall mourned helplessly, scratching his head. In the past, he'd been confident of himself and thought he was very capable to protect her. Even he didn't need to think twice when he made an oath bravely to be her knight. Now, he felt ashamed of himself; he was not worth to be the one. Hyne, even claiming as her lover was an insult for her. She deserved better, better than him. It was an extravagant thing that Rinoa chose him, but now he'd messed up all of it.

Squall was mourning because of his carelessness when suddenly a phone rang, breaking the gloomy atmosphere in his office. At first, he wanted to let it be, silently hoping Xu would take care of it and informed him later but it was continuously ringing, making him irritated. Reluctantly, he answered the phone.

"Commander Leonhart's speaking," he spoke lazily, pinching the bridge of his nose and suppressing the bewildered feeling that was rambling inside his heart. A murmur was heard, signaling the person's talking from the other line.

His expression turned into serious; he frowned, "…you."

The corridor on the second floor was quiet; most of the cadets were in their classes now. Quistis was torn between coming back to Cid's office and leaving for the cafeteria to have her early lunch and cleared her head; honestly she was not ready to face Cid right now. Losing herself in her thought, she was not aware of someone walking toward her. She jumped as the person tapped her shoulder lightly.

"Whoa, what's wrong, Quistis?" She turned her head facing the person and a relieved sigh coming out from her lips when she spotted Zell standing near her.

"I just know that you're the kind of person who gets startled easily," Zell said with a chuckle.

Quistis chuckled along with him. "You're right. Glad you know, maybe next time you'll reconsider giving me a sudden surprise. It's nice I don't remember have a record possessing heart attack."

Zell grinned at her joke. "What are you doing? You seem kinda lost. Are you alright?"

The taller woman was taken aback. She didn't know how to answer him. There was no way she could tell Zell about what she had heard five minutes ago in Cid's living room. It was not like she didn't want to tell him, but it was because she couldn't. The matter she'd heard was beyond her concern; she was not supposed to butt in, she even didn't have the right to know about the secret mission Rinoa assigned to in the first place.

"Hey, Quistis?" Zell waved his hand in front of her, making her return to the reality. "You are dozing off just now. Now, I'm starting to get worried. Are you really alright?"

"Sure." Quistis replied and nodded assuredly.

"Really, really alright?" Zell asked once again, emphasizing the last word.

Quistis chuckled, amused at Zell's nature. "I am really, really alright, Zell, nothing to worry about. The graduation is nearing and it's eaten me up," she said. "Really." She emphasized the last part after seeing his suspiciousness.

"All right," Zell said letting the matter pass. "Aren't you supposed to take those to Cid?" He pointed at the pile of paperwork she was holding.

Following his gaze and realizing what he was talking about, she said, feeling a tad bit of embarrassed, "Oh, you're right. Then, I'll be heading to Cid's office, then." Thanks, Zell. Now I know where I should be heading to first, she muttered in her mind as she started to walk past him. "See you around."

"Yeah. See you at the ball, Quist," Zell almost shouted, giving a small wave with his hand as the young instructor walked away. She turned her body and smiled before continuing her way toward Cid's office. During this short trek, she was composing herself as well, making sure to be ready when she had to face Balamb Garden's headmaster.

Yellowish light illuminated the Ball of Balamb Garden, giving it an elegant impression. The rhythm of the jazz music was accompanying the people's chatting in the party. It was the first time Irvine Kinneas attending The Graduation Ball of Balamb Garden. He had to agree that Selphie had a great taste; the party was marvelous. He scanned the room, hoping to find some people he knew, or at least girls he knew, but the only familiar face he spotted was that of Zell's, eating hotdog near the table that had delicious food stalled on it. Rolling his eyes, he decided to approach him.

"Hiya!" Irvine shouted, slapping Zell's back amicably, mimicking Selphie. It made the martial artist almost choke on his hotdog. He coughed and spit out the hotdog that had been in his mouth. Seeing this, Irvine started to laugh and held his stomach to reduce the ache from excessive laughter. After gulping the last drip of water from a bottle nearby, the blonde gave murderous glare at the womanizer cowboy.

"That's not funny, Kinneas," he hissed between a series of cough.

The cowboy held his breath, preventing another laughter fit. "No, that was the silliest thing I've ever seen," he said, still snickering, "Everyone but you is just enjoying the party."

"Well, I'm enjoying the party, as well," he retorted, albeit a bit irritably.

"Yeah, yeah with missus hotdog." Irvine rolled his eyes and then laughed once again, while putting his arms around his chest to prevent himself from getting a punch from Zell who stood up from his seat and was ready to throw his fist toward him. "Chill out, man," Irvine quickly said, "I'm looking for Selphie. Have you seen her?"

Zell sat back on his chair again irritably and continued his meal. "Uh-huh, I saw her talking with Xu on the balcony. Go see her and get away from me!"

Irvine laughed at his antics and walked toward the balcony.

Despite the lively atmosphere at the ball, the balcony was the only quiet place in the party. Squall leaned nonchalantly against the balcony's rail, sipping his champagne. This place was his favorite; he could avoid the noise without leaving the party in the first place. It was not that he didn't want to join the party; he had to admit that Selphie had done a great job though. After glancing at his watch, he decided to go back inside.

At least, I should greet people before leaving.

Two attractive women stood on the balcony, chatting. People who would see them now might think that they wanted to get fresh air, but they didn't. The two spoke in hushed voice as if they were afraid other people might hear them.

"You're sure?" the taller woman asked.

"Yeah, I'm positive he said that. That's why I have to go now. I'm sure you can handle it, …right?"

The other woman nodded. "Yeah, be careful," she said.

The shorter one cast a smile and hurriedly walked toward the door.

Balamb Garden was not mobile anymore. It was parked exactly at the spot it used to be. Outside the building, a gatekeeper who had a night shift was moaning.

"Why are you mumbling to yourself?" the other one asked, giving him a cup of coffee.

The younger one took the cup and sipped at the hot liquid. "It was Cale's vault. Tonight isn't my shift, you know?"

The other one chuckled, "Says who? You were the one who challenged him and lost."

Groaning, he sipped at the coffee again. A flash of light emanated from a car's lamp making Derek, the younger gatekeeper narrowed his eyes.

"Open the gate," a man instructed.

Opening his eyes, he saw that the person in the car was no other than Squall Leonhart. After giving him a salute, he approached him. "Shouldn't you be inside, Sir?"

"I have. Now, open the gate. I have some errand to do," Squall ordered coldly. Derek nodded his head and quickly opened the gate. With poker face, Squall started his car and then hurtled immediately. As the younger gatekeeper was about to close the gate again, another car passed him in full speed. Taken aback, he glanced back at his companion. "Is the party that dull? It seems like everyone wants to get away from it."

His friend just shrugged his shoulders.

Squall drove away his car in full speed ahead. Glancing at his watch, he increased the speed of his car. It was 19:50, ten minutes before the last train to Timber departed.

Flashback

"…you."

"How are you doing, Commander?" said the person on the other side of the line.

"Cut the chit-chat. What do you want, Seifer?"

The man from the other line laughed at Squall's temper. It was obvious that the young Commander hadn't expected a call from him. Slightly wanted to tease him a little more; he prolonged the chit-chat. "I heard you're having quite a lot of stress, but after hearing your voice, I'd think it looks more like depression."

It was true, but Squall didn't want to admit it. At least his pride forbade him to do so. "If you have nothing useful to say, I'll hang the phone. Unlike you Seifer, I'm extremely busy."

"You think I call you because I have plenty leisure?" Seifer said, slightly annoyed. In fact, he didn't want to contact him, either. Their relationship was not bad, but it was not good, either. Although everyone had forgiven him, including Squall, their previous rivalry was still up whenever they faced each other.

Squall was silent, thinking. Seifer was the last person he'd thought would ask about his wellbeing. It was impossible for him to call for civilized conversation, unless…

"What is it?" he said, although it sounded more like demanding.

Seifer chuckled mockingly, "Now, you have interest in me." He paused for a minute and said more seriously, "Meet me at Timber tomorrow evening."

Squall thought for awhile. "Tomorrow is the SeeD Graduation Ball. My present will be required."

Seifer rolled his eyes, remembering what a goody two shoes his rival was. The blonde then threw his last trump card. "I believe you want to know about her. She is with me this entire time." A pregnant silent filled between the conversation and it made the blonde's patience wear even thinner. "Look, if you care more about your SeeD shit more than her, then just hang up the phone!"

As he held the phone away, as if wanting to hang up the phone himself, he heard a shriek coming from the other side of the line. The arrogant blond smirked and put the phone back near his ear, awaiting his response.

Squall hesitated at first. His rival was calling him all of sudden, claiming that he knew about Rinoa's whereabouts. It was true that the blonde had changed after the war, but that didn't mean that he could trust him just like that.

"It's not that, but…," he sighed, making Seifer's smirk grew wider, "How can I believe you?"

He could imagine the Commander frowning his forehead, thinking as if he bore the world burden himself. Well, he had, truthfully. "I am risking my life calling you as well. They might point me as traitor if this matter comes out. Say, I risk my precious life to save yours."

This guy would never change. An arrogant bastard, he is.

As far as he knew, Seifer was living in Galbadia. Considering his military skills, his involvement in Galbadia Campaign was probably high. It was hard to imagine that he lounged at his home in spite of the messing around him. Seifer was a fighter; he would do everything to survive.

After debating about his childhood friend's proposal, he decided to give it a try. If he could give him any information about Rinoa, he would gladly take the risk. It was better than staying in his office mourning about his mistakes. "All right, I'll come."

Seifer smirked, feeling proud of himself, "Take the last train to Timber tomorrow. I'll pick you up at Gale's house, a house near the bridge."

Squall thought about all of this for a moment. He'd never visited Timber after the war. His memory of this city was fading. As he tried harder to recall the location of this person's house, he could vaguely remember about a house from which he stole gils out of its drawer.

So, that old man's name is Gale.

Nodding his head, he muttered, "…alright, I'll come."

With that he disconnected the phone.

End of flashback.

About ten minutes later, he arrived at Balamb's Train Station. He quickly parked his car and rushed to the counter giving his ticket to the locket lady. He tensed up; worried that he might miss the train. Checking his ticket, the locket lady gave him a curt smile and handed it back to him, "You're lucky, Sir, but if you don't jump in to it right now, you'll miss the train."

Snatching the ticket from the lady, Squall sprinted toward the platform for Timber. He agreed with her; he truly was lucky. Inserting his ticket into the machine, he entered the suite room and laid down on the sofa, feeling relived.

It was his only chance to meet his lover, but he had almost screwed it. He was muttering thanks to heavens for whatever it was. A smile graced his lips; it was the first time he smiled after almost half a year of mourning. Realizing that that was a silly reason to smile for, he scratched his nape. Now, I look like a lovesick schoolboy. Unable to stop smiling, he hung his head, so his dark chocolate-colored hair would hide his face. He was relieved that there was no one in the room, otherwise they might have spotted Squall Leonhart blushing.

Time passed by silently. Feeling bored, he let his mind drift back to the ball. I wonder if they're aware of my absence. But, I just can't let this chance slip. …I'll see Rinoa again. A smile graced at his handsome face. Hyne, there are many things I want to ask her. Is she safe? Is she hurt? Is she doing her job well? …Dammit, she was inexperience. What are you expecting from her? Cursing himself for his stupidity, he muttered to himself …Yeah, I don't even care if she does her job well. I'll take her home. Who cares about the mission!? The only thing I care about is getting her back.

About an hour later, he arrived at Timber's Station. The city was messier than he could recall from the last time he'd visited. Taking a deep breath, he started to walk toward Gale's house. There were many soldiers patrolling around the city. It was hard to avoid them; after all he had to hide his presence. After expertly hiding his identity, Squall arrived at the only house near the bridge. He knocked on the door, and then it opened, revealing his rival standing behind it. They stood there facing each other for quite a while, studying each other. Then, he let his guest enter the tiny house.

Squall scanned the small house. "Where is she?" he asked.

Closing the door, Seifer answered, "She's not here."

Squall turned his body to face his rival. Feeling alert, he put his guard up. The thought that he might have fallen for his rival's trap entered his mind.

Sensing the shorter man's defense up, Seifer said calmly, "She didn't know about our meeting."

"Then, what do you want?" Squall retorted in an annoyed tone.

"Like I said earlier, I came here to tell you about her wellbeing and the reason why she is putting herself in this campaign."

Still feeling suspicious, Squall gave him a curt nod. "Tell me, then."

The ball was as lurid as ever. There were many couples dancing. It looked like that everyone was happy with the party, save for one person. A woman dressed in a SeeD uniform was feeling quite nervous. She had to inform the headmaster right away before it was too late. Spotting the headmaster chatting with Quistis, she approached him.

Headmaster Cid was enjoying the party before he saw Xu coming toward him. "Hello, Xu." He cast her smile, but it quickly disappeared after seeing that panicked expression on her face.

"What's wrong?" he asked in concern.

Xu whispered in his ear, and almost immediately, his eyes widened. A puzzled look crept on Quistis' face. Cid staggered; he would have fallen on the ground if Quistis hadn't caught him. "Are you alright, Sir?" Quistis asked with concern.

Pulling himself together, his brains tried to process this piece of information. It was hard to believe what he had heard just now, but he didn't have any time to compose himself. He had to make a quick decision before it was too late. Straightening his back, he prepared himself to give an auxiliary order. A stoic expression crossed his face.

"Attention to all SeeD," his heavy voice echoed all over the room, gaining him attention from the entire guests. "It seems that your ability will be tested again. There will be an ambush. Prepare yourself for the battle to protect Garden."

Everyone was confused with the sudden order of the headmaster. At that moment, an explosion was heard, accompanied by the sound of the glass scattering. About twenty Galbadian forces rushed in, attacking them. The Quad was crowded with people running everywhere to look for safety. It was this sudden attack that surprised them all; no body had been ready yet and no soul could have prepared themselves for battle. Another explosion was heard; several Galbadian troops invaded the room, blocking the exit. All of the SeeD were alert. Although, most of them didn't bring their weapons with them, they were at least there to do what they could.

All hell broke loose, everyone was fighting. Cid watched his men die, trying to protect the Garden. It was so ironic, really. Up until today, he'd tried his best to protect his home, even during the Second Sorceress War, but right now he felt so useless. He could see the mess around him. A sudden thought entered his mind. He'd failed. He still failed protecting Garden even though he sent Rinoa away. Another grenade was heaved in his direction; Quistis pulled him behind her to protect him from the blast.

"You should retreat, Sir. Come on, I'll take you to a safer place." She stated in alarm, pulling his arm and then dragging him toward the exit. Cid was taken aback at the sudden explosion. In the middle of the way toward the exit door, he stopped running, making Quistis stop as well.

The older man looked at his surroundings. Everything was a mess. He could see everyone fighting with their lives. There was none trying to escape from the battle. They were protecting the Garden with their lives. He felt ashamed to himself for trying to save his own life by running away like a coward. He was their leader for Hyne's sake; he should fight along with them, not hide behind their back. Even Rinoa, despite the fact that she was an outsider, was risking her life to protect the Garden.

"Sir?" Quistis said with concern. He turned his gaze toward her and smiled. Freeing his arm from her grip; he said sincerely, "I'm sorry, Quistis, I can't go." A weak smile crossed his lips. "I have to fight." Turning back, he stood with determination.

This is my home. I fought with Norg to defend it in the past, now I'll do it again. I'll protect Garden even if it may cost my life.

A grand piano stood in the middle of the room and above it was a crystal lamp emanating the yellowish light. Several paintings were hung on the walls in the room. She could tell that this room was decorated in a classic Centran style.

"Good evening, Rinoa." She woke up from her reverie, spotting a man walking toward her, "You look splendid as always," he said, kissing her knuckle. His eyes lit up; a mischievous smile crossing his lips.

Rinoa forced a smile, trying to look as natural as she could. She still felt nervous whenever they met despite having had dinner together frequently ever since she arrived in this city. "Thank you, Mr. President. I-"

"Hush, cut the formality. Just call me Vincent, will you?" he said in husky voice, swaying his hand in front of her face. Rinoa cleared her throat and shifted in her seat. Seeing her discomfort, he laughed and took a seat in front of her. "Such a shy girl. You're really precious."

A waiter came to serve their meal. As Rinoa was eating quietly, Vincent was studying her, admiring her beauty. At this age, he had already got everything he wanted; power, money, and a spouse. He wanted to laugh at the last part. As she choked and coughed several times, she cast apologetic smile toward him for her lack of manner. He returned her innocent smile. …Innocent. People who saw her might think that she was innocent, but he. Sure, she was beautiful and elegant and had angelic features too. She was a perfect example of a goddess, but unfortunately she had a defect; an unforgivable defect … a sorceress.

"What do think of Winhill?" he suddenly asked, breaking the silence that had filled the room since they started their dinner, then sipped his wine without tearing his gaze away from her feminine features.

Rinoa cast him a look, "It's a peaceful village. I don't understand why you put your troops there."

He paused for a brief moment, smiling at her. "…You're right," he put his wine and looked at her earnestly, "It's a peaceful place." Leaning toward her, he whispered seductively, "But it has many secrets; as many as Centa Ruins."

Rinoa tilted her head to the side, slightly confused at his answer. When she opened her mouth to ask, he cut her off, "Have you finished your dinner?" She blinked several times at his change of demeanor, and then quickly nodded. "Good, I'll order Charon to take you home."

Vincent brushed away the remaining sauce of steak around his mouth before preparing himself to escort her. Rinoa quickly declined his offer, "Oh, that's okay. I want to visit my mother's grave before heading home. I haven't had any chance to do so since I came here." She stood from her seat. She swayed from her sudden action, but quickly composed herself. Vincent looked at her, surprised at her clumsiness, but found it amusing at the same time. After that, she got out from the room. He looked at her form until she disappeared from his sight. A smile was still gracing his handsome face.

"You look happy." A voiced was heard from his only companion in the room. Vincent tore his gaze off the door, looking at his friend. "You fancy her, don't you?"

He turned his gaze back at the door and sipped his wine. "…perhaps."

"If you do have some interests in her, why did you frame her up?"

He gave attention to his right hand man, a smirk forming his lips, "Have you sent the report?" Charon nodded. He sipped his wine until the last drop and said, "Good, now let's just enjoy my pet's melodrama until the final curtain comes down."

AN: Haahh...I won't say much. Likea previous chapters before, I appreciate all your feedback. Thanks for reading.