"What Would I Be Without You"
-Kawaii Hana-
DISCLAIMER:
I don't own anything from FF8. Too bad... I would have made a direct sequel from it, though... (Ehehehehe...)
NOTE TO READERS:
- Italic – - represents thoughts
(Italic) – don't mind them
Bold – "emphasized" words
SPECIAL NOTE:
Err…. I have something to admit… In the last chapter, when Seifer hit his head and had a red bump on his forehead, it pretty much says that Quistis put on a warm compress for it as some sort of relief… But right now, I am pointing out… that it SHOULD BE A COLD COMPRESS, not warm… Apparently, it SHOULD NOT BE WARM because the warmth makes the blood vessels dilate making it swell more, which is BAD. That's why it's supposed to be COLD, to keep it from swelling, and the blood flow won't go… to where it is not supposed to be… (Errr… did you guys get what I just said? Sorry…) Oh well, I had the idea of a warm hand - warm compress thing BEFORE I became a student nurse so it's fine… Ehehe… Enjoy this latest chapter…
Chapter 13: Meeting More People in Winhill…
According to a certain journalist from 17 years ago, Winhill has one of, if not the most beautiful mornings in the whole world. Whether this may be a bit biased or not, Quistis could not deny the veracity of it, for she has never seen such a place as tranquil as the fairytale storybooks. Sweet chirps from birds… Sound of excited children running off to their local school… And…
"Ow! Ow! Hazel! That hurts!"
Ah yes, another fresh new bump for Zen in the morning. It seems they will never be a day that the poor guy can't catch a break. But to be fair, the guy has it coming to him anyway.
"The more you move… the more it hurts, idiot…" A deadpan reply was heard, courtesy of Hazel of course, as she places an ice cold compress on the bruised forehead. (xD)
The two blondes tried their best in trying not to show their amused expressions but it was no use. Quistis and Seifer were really having too much fun. And this was just their first morning in the small town. (Considering they're supposed to be seriously looking for something… -.-")
"C'mon you guys… I thought you two already are my pals now!" Zen whined, obviously noticing the two blondes holding in their laughter – unsuccessfully…
"Sorry…" Said Seifer with an uncharacteristically goofy grin plastered on his face – a grin that usually fits the wacky Zell more. But surprisingly, it was good on Seifer, too…
But Zen who was not exactly in a cheerful mood at the moment, was making a pouty face, instead. "Are you still mad at me for calling you a 'trying-hard' or the 'father that walks away' from last time?" (Pls. refer to Chap. 7 to refresh your memory, hehe)
The two blondes simulataneously face palmed… and Hazel, in her sarcastic tone, said, "He said that to you guys? Ugh, Zen… Come on. Well," She turned to the couple now. "Just try to understand… This guy never had a girlfriend since birth! So he's just trying to cope up by projecting it to you…"
"Huh?" Zen wasn't catching up.
"Ah, I know that." Quistis explained, suddenly in Instructor Trepe mode. "It's one of the ego defense mechanisms. Projection: It is the Unconscious blaming of unacceptable thought or feelings into an external object."
Seifer laughed and joined them in the fun. "That means you have low confidence when it comes to girls… You kinda put those feelings to me who was walking beside such a beautiful girl…" Quistis blushed. But thankfully, both of them were laughing as Hazel makes a sassy smirk.
"Har-har-har!" Zen makes a sarcastic laugh, if you call it one. But since it seemed that he has already been used to this type of harassment, he smiles and comments, "Well, whadday'know? Hazel's already getting along with you two." This time, Hazel opted to stay silent as she tidies up the first aid kit box. Quistis and Seifer looked on and thought she was probably getting shy.
"Heh! Well, probably because we just love to torture you so much, Zen." Seifer throws in another sarcastic remark but silently agrees. Hazel was actually a fun person to be with even though she seems to be quiet most of the time. She was probably in a really bad mood last night.
"But really Zen…" Hazel went back to the topic. "Why call a complete stranger who was minding his own business, like that! I mean, what if Gylan was there with you!"
"Hey, how was I supposed to know, that I'd meet them again later!" Zen shot back, still sort of playing the game of sarcasm. It may look like an argument but the atmosphere around them was light and no tension was felt. It was like watching two siblings picking on each other just for fun.
"Hmph! I think you deserve another bump on your head! But wow, who would have thought that you'd be honest enough to tell Aunt Astrid how you first met these guys…" Hazel reveals, in a matter-of-factly tone.
"Oooh, I see… That's why you were begging us to let you in our room." Seifer concluded, still with that goofy grin on his face. "Gotta hand it to her, though… She chased you all the way from your place until here? She must have been that pissed at you!"
"Heh well….That's Aunt Astrid for ya! When she goes for it, she really does go for it!" Said the proud nephew.
"Why thank you for that compliment, Zenardo," came Astrid's voice as the person-in-question places plates and utensils on the table. Her nephew froze and was on full alert for danger, trying not to look at her in the eye. The two blondes and Hazel, however looked normal and silently enjoyed the cowering Zen's movements.
"Good morning Aunt Astrid…" Hazel greeted.
"Why good morning, sweetie." Astrid greeted back. "I see you have gotten along with our newcomer couple here. How's Winhill so far, you two?"
"Doing great, ma'am! " Replied Seifer as he consciously touched the red bump (not that noticeable now) on his forehead. - Yup so far so good-
"Here it is! Breakfast!" Entered Stella with a food cart. "I made it especially yummy to make up for the mishap last night! Good morning, you two lovebirds! How was your first night here in the Winhill Hotel?"
"I slept a breeze, Stella!"Seifer said, knowing full well he voluntarily slept on a couch, and is still suffering the neck and back pains.
Quistis quickly lifted an eyebrow at Seifer's quite dishonest remark, but shrugged the thought off. "The bed was really heavenly, Stella. We loved it!"
"Why thank you, Quistis! My concept for the bed is called 'Heavenly Bliss'! I think it's perfect for you two." Stella squealed. The blondes smiled. Stella sure cannot hide her delighted expression when being complimented. They sure can expect another dose of more 'quality service' from her… But wait…
"Heavenly Bliss"?
Seifer and Quistis froze at the thought of what the word 'bliss' was for… And seeing as Stella thought that it meant that the couple had a 'great' night… Would that mean…?
"Do you want some pancakes, Quistis?" Astrid interrupted their line of thoughts, thankfully before it dwelled onto the 'gross' zone. The middle-aged woman was holding a plate filled with pancakes, trying to pass over it to them.
"Oh yes, please" She replied and helped herself with two slices. For some reason, she looked to her right to where Seifer was seated next to her. "You want some too, honey?
Seifer felt his left eyebrow twitch. Thankfully, nobody seemed to notice it. "Sure, give me three slices!"
"Here you go~" Says Quistis in a sweet-sugary tone that, in a million years, Seifer thought, she could never do possible. Well, add it to the 'list'. This new list that Seifer had set aside for himself, is an account of all the things where Quistis says or does that he never thought she would say or do at all. And it's filling up fast! It was only the second day of being "Mr. and Mrs. Branforde" and yet, there were currently up to 5 counts:
1.) Dressing up in that hot pink outfit that made quite a reaction from other males. That's how they met Zen… (Chap 7)
2.) Making such a beautiful laugh. As just a few minutes earlier in their room was certainly proof of that… (Chap 7 and 12)
3.) Making him feel all kinds of emotions in an instant, by just accidentally landing on her… (Chap 9… xD)
4.) Ability to act fast and that makes people cry. They were able to convince others they're a lovey-dovey couple last night, thanks to her. (Chap 10)
5.) That sweet-sugary tone just now…
Yup, currently 5 counts… Unless she was going to…
"Here you go, honey! Say, Aah~" Quistis was now holding fork, pining a pancake covered in honey syrup. She was offering to feed him! -What the hell? Make this number 6!- Seifer mentally noted as he took a bite. There were now six counts and counting still.
Hazel threw her hands up and pretended to shield her eyes. "Whoa… I think I'm seeing rainbows and hearts all around you…"
"Aww, you two are just so sweet~" Stella mused, with the same sugary-sweetness. Zen could only stare and sigh in exasperation. Here he was, with two people the same age as him and already in to their happy fairytale ending. (If only he knew what was really going on… -_-")
"It seems that you two are doing fine." A new voice caught their attention. It was Gylan. And with him were three faces both Seifer and Quistis had met the day before. It was Grandpa Britz, the elderly man whom they have met at the party the night before. Just behind him were Shirea and Gack, the two SeeD cadets from Galbadia Garden. These two would be very useful with their current mission.
"Good morning, Grandpa Britz!" Stella greeted the old man. "Here's your usual coffee! Have a seat!
Seifer, was next to that seat, stood up and pulled the chair aside for him. Quistis was impressed. –Well, well, well… Never thought you had courtesy in you, Mr. Almasy.-
"Why thank you, uh… sorry, who are you again?" The elderly man narrows his eyes as he sat down.
"We just moved here, sir. My name's Seifer Branforde and this is my wife, Quistis." That was probably the tenth time or so that they had to introduce themselves as a 'married couple'. It still feels off. But at this point, somehow the pair was now able to smile casually and comfortably.
"Aaah, the sweet notions of young perpetual love…" The elderly Britz commented, in a reminiscing tone. "May you two live a happy long and prosperous life!"
"Cheers!" All that were around the table raised their glasses and mugs of milk and coffee. As each took a sip from their drinks, Seifer and Quistis looked at each other with dismay. Happy long and prosperous life? That is something a SeeD might never have… except for Squall and Rinoa, though. That both of them agree… (xD)
"Who's watching over the kids, Gylan?" Astrid asked. She was asking about the 7 kids Gylan adopted out of the foster system. For some reason, they were not with him today. That made Seifer and Quistis a little suspicious. Gylan was still their primary suspect - the ring man behind the drug syndicate that their anonymous sender was asking help about. This was the sole reason Seifer and Quistis had to pretend that they were newlyweds in search of a new home to settle down.
"Oh, they're all at school now." Said Gylan. "They're doing tree-planting today. They had to wake up at 5 am for the roll call."
The blondes looked at each other again and sighed in relief. OK, they suspected him too quickly… yet again. They really need to talk to Shirea and Gack. Those two are the only ones that can give them any sort of clue as to what's really going on in this small town.
"Some parents weren't too happy about it, though… Waking up so early and all…" The kind man continued. "But, it's the kids who looked forward to it the most. Hazel, you'll be picking them up this afternoon, okay?"
"Mmm…" Came the 14-year old's lazy-like response, only nodding slightly as she stuffs a pancake slice in her mouth, as if she knew what her guardian was going to say in the end. Gylan rolled his eyes with a sigh. He was used to this. He casually looked at Zen and was surprised. Noticing the younger man's fresh new bump, he had to ask. "Zen? Did I really hit you that hard last night?"
And in a blink of an eye, Hazel went from lazy-like to lively. She was holding back her laughter again. "Oh yeah! Guess what, Gylan? Zen told Aunt Astrid what he told Seifer and Quistis the first time they met! Aunt Astrid was so angry! She chased him from their home all the way here! He asked the Branfordes to hide him in their room. They ignored him and well… the rest is history!"
Once again, the Winhill Flower Restaurant was filled with laughter. Gylan was surprised to see that Hazel, who was in a really bad mood, last night, was now laughing along with the newcomers. Astrid, of course, was scolding her nephew again, bombarding him with things like common courtesy or I-did-not-raise-you- to-be-a-foul mouthed brat monologues. To make matters worse, even the elderly Britz joined in on the scolding. As Zen can only wince with his pained head (and ears), the SeeD cadets, Hazel and the "Branfordes" could only stifle their laughter as they eat.
When Hazel excused herself to go to the bathroom, Gylan set aside the couple for a small chat. "Thank you… I think Hazel really likes you two."
Seifer and Quistis could only smile back. "We like her, too. I'm sure she'll warm up to everbody!" Quistis commented. It was so not like her to give such an idealistic and positive statement. –That's # 7- Seifer noted to himself. But considering the atmosphere of the moment, everyone was happy and really full of warmth.
Thus was the first breakfast of "Mr. and Mrs. Branforde" in Winhill. According to Stella, this has been their usual morning routine. Every morning, the guests from the Winill Hotel will be joined by this charade in their breakfast table. The old man would come for his morning coffee. Astrid, who officially works in the Hotel as the receptionist, helps prepare breakfast with Stella and Zen, her poor nephew at close watch. The SeeD cadets make sure that they eat there before they set off for their weekly rounds. And of course, there was Gylan, Hazel and the 7 adopted children (who are yet to be seen) to complete the circle.
Needless to say, this kind of scene that the guests will have to endure in the morning with this group of people would be nothing short of chaos. This explains why the Winhill Hotel and Flower Restaurant receives quite a few customers. Who would want to wake up in the morning, expecting all of them in their breakfast time…? But not for the Branfordes' case, they were enjoying every minute of their time in Winhill.
After all, their serious work will begin soon…
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"OK, let's formally introduce ourselves." Seifer said with authority in the tone of his voice. All four of them were now gathered in Room No. 18. But, they had to be quiet and to make it brief. They were meeting in secret. It was Mission time.
"Quistis Trepe. Balamb Garden. SeeD since the age of 15." The blonde woman introduced herself and did the SeeD salute… The sugary-sweetness of her voice from earlier was no longer there. It was time to be serious. The SeeD cadets were obviously impressed, and shocked. The sudden change of her demeanor was very prominent. And they were also elated that they could finally meet the legendary SeeD, Quistis Trepe -the youngest to ever become one. And that record has not been broken ever since.
"Gack Astridas. Galbadia Garden. Enrolled since age 12." The next to introduce himself was a dark-haired man, about 16 years of age.
"Shirea O'Connel. Galbadia Garden. Enrolled since age 13." The female cadet had chestnut brown flowing hair tied in a ponytail. She looked the same age as her partner. And finally there was…
"Seifer Almasy. Balamb Garden. Enrolled since age 14. Assigned leader of this mission by Commander Leonhart."
The Galbadians were sitting at the couch while their Balamb counterparts were seated on the left side of the bed. They were facing each other as they talked. They would have to make this brief. Gylan had gone off to the Sheckleton household to fix a broken fence as he promised at last night's party. The elderly Britz had gone back to his store. Stella, Astrid, Zen and Hazel were in the kitchen, washing the dishes used from today's breakfast.
None of those people are supposed to know that the Galbadian Garden students are conversing with the newcomer couple. But for these four people, this would be a very crucial first meeting. Seifer revealed a brown package in his hands. It was the very same brown package Squall had shown him and Quistis a week earlier. The blonde 18-year old cleared his throat and then began to speak.
"About 12 days ago, a call came to Balamb Garden. Unfortunately, the connection of call was not clear. And it hung up abruptly so it was marked invalid. Then 48 hours later, this brown package was found near the gate of Balamb Garden. The connection was established between this package and the distress call was when they went back to the call. The "fuzzy" voice could be heard mentioning the word, "Winhill, over and over."
"Inside the package is: a map of Winhill, which is where the connection was made, these four plastic packages consisting of well… these white powdery substances could very well be illegal drugs. And this last plastic container here contains… what seemed to be smuggled military items in parts… And finally we have these…"
Seifer handed over four black-and-white photographs to the cadets. "Do you have any idea who could these people be?"
Pictures of four men… Their secret messenger was obviously telling them that these four were the masterminds of this whole mess. It was helpful, but at the same time it was not… The photographs were taken at impossible angles, making it difficult to discern who the subject of the picture actually was. Quistis and Seifer had carefully observed these during the one-week preparation. They concluded that the point of the pictures was not to show the faces, but their little attributes…
The first picture was taken at a very dim lit room. The main point of picture, as both blondes had discerned, was the expensive-looking watch on the subject's right wrist. The hand was seen, handing over some cash. The picture was probably taken at a time where an exchange of money and illegal items were taking place.
The second picture was placed inside a car. The subject was seen to be at the back of the passenger's seat. His face was obscured by the sunlight and he was also shown to be holding a handgun. Seifer and Quistis had asked Irvine regarding the weapon. The cowboy had only took one look at the picture and commented that the gun is custom-made, a weapon unlike any other and is obviously a dangerous one, as Irvine adds that the handgun might be a part of a very rare Gunblade.
The third picture has the subject turning his back away from the camera. As he was only wearing a loose tank top, a very deep burn-like scar can be seen at the back of his neck. The scar had probably been caused from run-in from some monster. Aside from the scar, there was nothing significant to identify in the picture. The scar is going to be a very important lead.
The fourth and final picture is by the far the most baffling of all. It did not show an actual person but a robotic-prosthetic hand placed on its stand instead. And the background looked like it was a make-shift laboratory that obviously shows where the illegal drugs are being produced.
The secret messenger was telling them something. Something very sinister and in large-scale is happening somewhere in Winhill. And he or she was trying to contact Balamb Garden for help. But he (or she) might have feared his/her own safety and thus, opted to send the brown package anonymously instead.
"Uh, we really have no clue whatsoever," Gack replied and then paused. "Sir…"
"Oh please," said Seifer. "No need for the formalities. Just call us by name…"
Both the cadets nodded and tried to loosen up in their seat. These two have never been in an actual SeeD mission before. But this sure was a very interesting. For years, SeeDs have been hired to do the dirty work as long as they get paid. And yet, here they were, on a mission in which they didn't know even who their 'client' is. In fact, they don't even call it as 'client' at all anymore. Were they actually going to get paid for all this trouble? Thing sure have changed since the newly appointed Commader of SeeD, Squall Leonhart came into the picture.
But it was thanks to this Commander, that they were finally officially in a Garden again. Both these two had already left from Galbadia Garden just a few days before the Sorceress took over. When the Garden Master, Martine was put back in control, it was there they had returned. It was a relief for Seifer. That would mean that these two cadets didn't know that the leader of their current mission was the very same man, who was under the Sorceress, controlling the Galbadia Garden.
"Well, have you noticed any suspicious activity lately?" Quistis asked.
"N-not really," replied Shirea, silently wishing that they had paid more attention in their weekly patrols more now. "Nothing unusual happened here… except, well if you count that Estharian attack from years ago…"
"OK, then… Let's talk about Gylan…" Seifer began.
"Gylan?" Gack asked, confused as to why he brought him up all of sudden.
"Well, uh… He is kinda like our primary suspect for now…"
"What?" The two younger cadets were agape. Gylan Ronner? The man who just let in a newly-married couple into an introverted town like Winhill?
"Why would you think Gylan is involved in here?" Shirea had to ask.
"Well," explained Quistis. "His job of delivering cargo goods back and forth between towns and places does make you kind of suspicious…" She looked over and saw that the cadets took that as a fair point. "And well, the part where he adopted 7 children as well."
"Oh that…" Shirea began to speak more confidently now. "I can tell you that children were adopted legally. A hundred percent! He only had just finished all the necessary paperwork quite recently actually. The children were adopted about a year ago. They were like these really cute little orphans from 4-5 years old. Well there is one nine year old girl. Gylan didn't have the heart to separate her from her little brother so he took her in as well."
-Wow- Quistis thought to herself and of Edea and the ruined orphanage. Did Quistis and Seifer feel at ease with Gylan because he resembled that of their dear Matron? Possibly…
"What of Hazel, then? Seifer asked.
"Hazel? She is quite a mystery…" Shirea said. "But when her entire family was killed in that Balamb fire… For some reason, that made Gylan with the full rights for custody of her. It's a hundred percent legal, too. Gylan was her only remaining "next of kin", so to speak. I don't exactly know how those two are related. Gylan said he was her godfather, I think. But well, he took her in just as easily as he did with those 7 children. And Hazel has been here in Winhill longer than any of those kids. It's just… some of the villagers treat her badly… especially the old lady from the flower shop…"
"And Gylan is like… the most respected… and well-loved guy in all of Winhill. He was born and raised here. I don't think he'll ever want to do anything that disturbs this peaceful place." Gack said with a concluding tone.
"OK," announced Seifer. "Gylan Ronner is out of the list, then. Back to square one." The blonde himself couldn't help but feel relieved that they were taking Gylan out of the picture. "I guess Quistis and I will have to check out the PUB then. That's where we planned to stay. If you guys do find anything suspicious in any way, please let us know ASAP!"
"Yes sir!"
With that, the secret meeting was done in about 8 minutes…
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The meeting was now adjourned. With the Galbadian cadets now off to their patrol, Seifer and Quistis were now preparing to go back downstairs at the breakfast table. When they got there, Gylan, sitting at the same chair he sat on when they ate breakfast, was already there waiting for them…
"Gylan! I thought you were fixing a fence somewhere…" Quistis asked. –I hope he didn't notice Gack and Shirea come in and out of our room-
"Oh that…" Gylan began to explain. "I went over there but it seems there was no need to fix the fence. A mother chocobo just crossed over, making it lean forward in place. All I needed to was to realign it back up. Done in five minutes! As I got back, I saw those young kids from the Garden were now off into their patrol… Bless those kids! Hardworking kids, really…"
-Good, those two made a safe exit…-
"Just wanted to tell you something before we start the tour…"
The two blonde tensed up. Could he have known all along? Was their cover already found out?
"It's the first time," explained Gylan. "I've seen Hazel laugh in years… Thank you… Just thank you…"
The two eased up, trying not to show just how relieved that they were not busted. –Wow, Gylan- Seifer thought –You're not our primary suspect anymore and yet you always still keep us on our toes. And why thank us again? You already did when she excused herself to the bathroom earlier-
"Hazel's a really nice girl, Gylan." Quistis remarked.
Gylan made a smile. "I know… I know… Thank you for making her to laugh again…"
In Seifer's point of view, the situation was seriously getting cheesy by the minute, but might as well put some humor in it, though.
"I pity Zen though," said Seifer. "Hazel seems to enjoy making fun of the poor guy."
"Huh," entered Zen as he dried his hands with a towel. "Did anyone just asked for me?"
Gylan, Seifer and Quistis all shook their heads, suppressing their laughter at Zen's apparent ignorance.
"Do you want to help show the Branfordes around, Zen?"Gylan had to ask. Zen, of course was overjoyed by the mere suggestion.
"Sure! Where do we start?"
"Can I come, too?" Hazel also entered the scene, drying her hands. "I wanna see how Zen reacts when he has to enter the haunted PUB again!"
"What?" The loud teenager was once again in his hyperactive mode. The red bump on his forehead was less noticeable now. "I thought you guys were now moving to the house beside that?"
"Oh come on, Zen… Give it up!" Hazel argued back. "Don't tell them what to do. Either they want to make the old PUB their home or the one next door, it's their choice! Geez, don't be such a scaredy-cat!"
"I… I am n-not s-scared!" Zen tried to put in a brave face but obviously failed, judging from the sudden high pitch of his voice. It made the others to laugh out loud again, with Hazel clapping her hands in delight. Yes, for the sake of just a hint of Hazel's smile, the pitiful Zen has to take in the suffering…
"Gaah! OK fine," cried the humiliated and exasperated Zen. "Let's go to the PUB… Let's just not stay for too long, okay…?"
And so, the "Branfordes", Gylan, Zen and Hazel went out of the Winhill Hotel and into the bright morning. They said their good byes to Stella and Astrid. Both of them were probably going to freshen up Room no. 18 a bit. Seifer made sure that the 'brown package' was safely and securely hidden from the sight. Outside, the air smelled so clean and fresh. There was tranquil peace around them. It enlightened further the already good mood within the people of touring group. –If only the other guys were here- Quistis thought. This small town of Winhill was the perfect place for a vacation. Too bad, the town was being neglected because of the turmoil going on between Deling City and Timber.
The first stop of the tour was Britz's store just at the entrance of the town. Not only does the old man sell the Items that travelling fighters need, he also sells the basic things such as bread, canned goods and other manufactured items. It is in these store where Gylan delivers the stuff he gets from Deling City. Quistis and Seifer made sure to look around closely in this store. Thankfully, there was nothing suspicious.
"I hope I will see you soon buying from this store, Mrs. Branforde." The old man teased in his shopkeeper voice.
"Of course! And please just call me Quistis!" She replied in return.
"Oh well then," said the elderly shopkeeper in a cheerful paternal voice. "You can call me Grandpa Britz!"
After a good 10-minute chat, the group now proceeded north. Both Quistis and Seifer could see the famed Winhill Mansion and the town square over the horizon. That place would be the second-to-last leg of their tour. It will be where they will officially hand in their registration to the Mayor; as citizens of Winhill.
"Winhill is so beautiful," remarked Quistis. "I think we are going to have great time here!"
"I'm glad you see it that way," replied Gylan.
"Oh… What do we have here?" A crackling old lady's voice was heard, stopping the touring group in their tracks. Probably around the same age as the Britz, a woman stepped out of the Flower shop. With their highly-trained observational skills, Seifer and Quistis had noticed that Gylan took a worried glance at Hazel. And Hazel… her smile vanished instantly. Her arms were now folded across her chest. Somehow, she returned to being the girl they first met last night. And Zen had a forced smile on his face.
Could it be…? This old woman was…
"So, are these the two newcomers I've been hearing about, Gylan?" Her voice sounded shrill against the now stiff atmosphere.
"Yes, Grandma Trudy," replied Gylan. "They have just wed last week."
"Oh, in a honeymoon, I see…"
"No, actually, they decided to start their new life together here." Gylan said.
The old lady, hair tied in a bun, and dressed in dark and dreary colored clothes, raised an eyebrow at the two blondes and put her hands on the sides. "Well? Show respect to the elderly! Tell me who you are, then?"
The couple was taken aback but composed themselves quickly. Seifer cleared his throat and began. "Um, good morning, Grandma T-"
"You can call me Mrs. Venson, thank you very much." The old lady interrupted. From behind, Hazel rolled her eyes in disgust.
"Mrs. Venson," began Seifer one more time. "My name is Seifer Branforde. And this is my wife, Quistis."
"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Venson…" Quistis said, moving her hand forward for a hand shake. But the old lady did not take it. Her hands were still firmly on the sides. Her eyes were still staring closely at the two blondes from head to toe as if she wanted to melt them on the spot.
"You two look quite young to be married." The old lady commented. It was a statement, not a question.
"We're 18. That's of legal age." Quistis calmly said.
"Ha!" The old lady's hands were now up in the air in vexation. "Of legal age, she says! Why look at yourself, young lady? You've barely looked like you've left your mother's skirt yet! And you expect that it'll be fine once you're of legal age! Kids these days…"
Quistis made a forced smile as she clenched her purse tightly behind her back. A year of being an instructor and having a teacher's patience seems to be paying off at this point.
"Or is it," continued the old lady. "That you two fell upon the throes of passion, and now you both are having responsibility that you aren't even prepared for!"
"I can assure you, Mrs. Venson, that I am not pregnant." With the greatest calm, Quistis said every word with clear and concise articulation. Seifer noted this extraordinary feat as number 7 now.
The old lady snorted. "Oh please, you expect me to believe that you two just happen to decide to get married?"
"Oh for the love of Hyne! Mind your own business, you old hag!" Three pairs of eyes were widened in shock and the old lady made an ugly frown. It was Hazel, and she has had enough! She was not going to stand by and see her newly-found friends being judged from someone like her!
"I see you haven't learned any proper manners at all!" Mrs. Venson cried in a disappointing tone.
"You're the one to talk!" Hazel shot back.
"Now, Now… Hazel, please…" Gylan tried to calm the young girl down, but there was nothing that can stop her now. She was on fire! It was payback from last night. It was also a bit of like an apology for shouting at the couple's faces last night, too. When the old hag called her and the 7 other children… 'parasites', she only walked away… because it was fine… She has already been treated that way for the last ten years. Now, here was the old hag again, going at it with an already happy couple without mercy…
"NOW SEE HERE YOU!" The old lady moved towards the fourteen year old. "UNLESS YOU DON'T STRAIGHTEN UP YOURSELF, YOU INGRATEFUL LITTLE LEECH, YOU… YOU WILL NEVER EVER BELONG HERE!"
Hazel was undeterred and laughed with a sadistic ring to it. "Yeaah suuure, like you will never belong to Grandpa Britz's heart! He will never take you back! You're the one who should straighten up, bitter old hag!
The old lady's face paled. It turned darker and more enraged than ever. Seifer and Quistis were not really sure of what's going on but they can tell Hazel has definitely stepped on a landmine! A major taboo!
The old lady pointed her pointing finger towards the young girl. But she didn't shout. Her tone was calm yet nerve-wracking to the audience watching from the sidelines. "You… You mark my words, you... Someday, you will pay for what you just said…"
"Oh wow, I can't wait for that then!" Hazel said in cheerful and yet cynical tone.
The old lady took one last look at the couple and went back into her shop, slamming the door behind her. It left the others silent and dumfounded. It was Hazel who broke that silence.
"Hey, uh… Seifer? Quistis? I'm sorry I yelled at you last night… It's that bitter old witch's fault. Would you believe that she called me and the 7 kids, 'parasites'? It's not like we had any other home to go back to, right?"
Zen cringed at the mention of the words, 'bitter old witch'. Mrs. Gertrude Venson was a senior in Winhil that they were not supposed to be messing with. And what the heck! Why is Hazel standing up for herself now? She had learned to tolerate them for so long.
Seifer and Quistis briefly looked at each other and then to Hazel with a smile. They were not really supposed to be this close to a person outside their mission. But hey, she just defended them from a bully. Plus, she was a fellow Balambian to boot!
"It's alright. We really appreciated you defending us, Hazel. Thanks! I was seriously starting to lose it, you know!" Quistis said and then showed everyone her now seemingly squeezed tight purse. It made Hazel laugh. With that, all was right with the world again.
Seifer then placed a hand on the fourteen-year old girl's shoulder. "And did you know? We also came from an orphanage. We know exactly how you feel! So if that 'old hag' ever crosses you again… let us know!"
"Deal!" Hazel said.
"Alright," came a stern voice from Gylan. Both the blondes looked on. "I appreciate that you three are getting along well but… Hazel… We need to talk…"
"Oops…" Hazel whispered. She was about to get scolded now…
Seifer and Quistis saw that the older man was trying to suppress a smiling face. There was indeed a confirmation of friendship. That fact would make Gylan jump up for joy already but… Hazel's needs to be reminded of watching her mouth now.
"Zen," began Gylan. "You introduce the Branfordes to Sheckletons… Hazel and I are going to have a… um, a little discussion… first… We'll meet you up at the town square."
Zen drew out a sigh of relief. "Sure… let's go guys…"
And leaving Hazel and Gylan, the three pressed on forward. It was still a bright lovely morning. But there was no longer that magical tranquility from earlier, thanks to that witch… Yup, they are sooo going to call her 'witch' (behind her back) from now on…
"Wow Zen," began Quistis as the three of them walked. "When you said there was an unfriendly side of Winhill, we thought they'll just not talk to someone they aren't familiar with yet. But that witch… gosh…"
"Please stop calling her that. I can already see her already about to tell my aunt about this." Zen said sheepishly. "But yeah, Mrs. Venson is part of that side, alright. You guys were in bad luck. She is like… the head honcho of the unfriendly side!"
"What did Hazel mean from earlier? About Grandpa Britz?" Seifer had to ask.
"Oh that, long story." Zen replied.
"Tell us…"
"Ok," Zen began. "You see, Grandpa Britz is… actually Mr. Bryan Litz Venson…"
"What," exclaimed the two blondes. "Those two are married!" It was an impossible scenario. The kind and gentle Grandpa was married to her… the bitter witch, of all people!
"Yeah… I know it's kinda surprising", said Zen. "The ironic part is… those two were married when they were 18 as well. But they didn't have any children. That's where it began to fall apart. They soon became estranged. It was the Grandpa who left her, though… saying he had enough of her bossy and controlling attitude. It's been 50 years now… since they split when they were in their 30's… You can tell Mrs. Venson didn't handle it too well. For the record, they're still married… on paper, that is. Divorce here in Winhill is seriously not a good thing. But, well, it's been decades since they've even talked to each other so I guess it's kind of like the same thing… "
"How come Gylan was allowed to call her 'Grandma', then?"Seifer asked, again.
"Oh that, well, because she used to babysit when he was just like… in diapers, really… The same goes to my aunt, too. Almost the older adults in here see her as maternal figure. The grandma was just some kind of term of endearment for her, just like the Grandpa… although she does not let us… our generation and below to ever call her that. Actually, we are just scared stiff when we even go near her flower shop…"
The two blondes fell silent. This was a hard to pill to swallow. Complex relationships seem to be abounding in this town…
"Don't worry, you guys." Zen said, seeing that the two blondes have not reacted well. "It will take time to get used to this kind of set-up."
"I just…" Quistis began to speak. "I just can't imagine Hazel being here and enduring all that for the past ten years."
"Well," said Zen. "She sure had it rough… But it seems things will change now. I don't think I have actually seen Hazel stand up for herself. Today's the first…"
"Oh," remarked Seifer. "I'm sure it won't be the last…"
Zen cringed again. "OK guys, Mrs. Venson was bad enough but, please… Let's not make any more awkward moments like that. Geez…"
"Sure," said Quistis "But they better not insult me or Seifer…"
Seifer agreed.
Kwek! Kwek! Kwek!
"Aww, how cute!" Quistis squealed in delight. Seifer noted this to be number 8 now. A small chicobo appeared before them from the fields.
"Oh no…" Zen said. "Guys, back off from the chicobo!"
The two blondes backed up a few steps and sure enough, the gigantic mother chocobo came crashing to take her crying baby. KEWK! KWEK! KWEEEk! The earth shook as it came. And yes, the fence was bent over again…
"Woops, sorry about that…" It was the Chocobo Keeper, Daniel Shekleton. "I guess I'll have to ask Gylan have the fence straightened up again. Hm? Oh! Why, aren't these two, the newcomers from the party! Good morning! Having a lovely day?"
"Yes, good morning!"
"Good morning!"
Somehow, the mood lifted up again. The "Branfordes" could definitely tell on which side of Winhill the Chocobo keeper belongs to. The encounter with the old witch a few minutes earlier had felt like a million light years away. It was refreshing, just as refreshing as Daniel's very welcoming smile.
"I'm sorry about Keely…" He said, as he gave the mother chocobo a pat. "Keely the chicobo here would always run out of the barn and get herself lost. The mother, Bailey would always just come crashing into the fence to get her baby. It's kind of an everyday occurrence, here!"
Daniel was laughing sheepishly and the three teenagers couldn't help but join in the laughter. Quistis couldn't help but gush over Keely, the chicobo.
"Very tiny things aren't they? That baby's only about three months old! In about 3 months more, she'll grow up at about to 4 feet! That's how fast these little guys grow!"
"HONEY! WHERE ARE YOU!"
Another loud shrilly female voice was heard, but sounding younger than the last. Daniel's smile vanished instantly. The frightened chicobo scampered off under her mother's feet. This time, it was Zen's turn to roll his eyes, but not in disgust – more like annoyance. He moved closer to the startled couple and whispered behind their backs. "Here comes the Mother Hen."
And out came a bleached blonde woman in her 30's… She was holding a newborn baby wrapped in layers of blue blankets. And she looked really angry.
"Honey! Why were you not answering!"
"U-uh, w-well, y-you were too quick to come here, s-sweetie…" Daniel was obviously stuttering his words. His forehead seems to be prickling with sweat.
"Good morning, Eila! How's the new baby?" Zen began to ask, trying to be a bit helpful.
"Oh he's soo adorable! Always sleeps 20 hours a day! Remaining 4 hours for bath and changing time, of course!" In a split second, the wife's tone of voice turned from strict to sugary. Her expression turned from scary to smiley… For some reason, it made Seifer have chills on the back of his neck. This was not the same feeling when Quistis did her sugary tone…
"Oh nice to hear…" Zen said, definitely stuck in a hole he made for himself. After all, he does not know the first thing when it comes to babies. "Well, meet our newcomers to Winhill! These are the Branfordes! This is Seifer…and his wife, Quistis!"
And then from the smiling look, Eila then switched to quite an obvious scrutinizing look at the couple. By that point, both Seifer and Quistis knew on which side of Winhill this woman belongs… And also the question she would ultimately ask next…
"Married? You two look quite young… Um… Are you guys… in your 20's or…?"
"We're only 18…" Quistis said again, not opting to say 'of legal age' anymore considering it did not heed well with the old lady earlier. But this 35 year-old mother did not stop inquiring there…
"Are you married or…"
"Yes, we are married! 100% Legit, if you're wondering…" Seifer was the one who answered. He held up a plastic envelope so that everyone can see. "I have here the certificates and all the paperwork needed for our citizen registration here."
"Ah… I see," said Eila. "So um, Quistis… is it?"
"Yes?" Quistis replied. –Oh please don't ask me I'm pregnant… Because I am not! Why does everyone in this town have to assume that?-
The mother handed over her child to her husband. "Where do you exactly plan to live?
"Oh, we're thinking of the old PUB." Quistis answered, relieved that she wasn't asking about pregnancy. Maybe Mrs. Sheckleton isn't bad after all. "But Zen here keeps insisting on moving in the one next door to that."
"Mhmm… Well, if you wanted move to the PUB. Are you guys going to be re-opening that place, then? But gosh, I guess you both haven't even tasted liquor yet!" Elia made it sound like it was a punch line… but it came off a bit too rude.
"We're uh…" Quistis continued. "Well, Seifer and I are still talking about it, whether or not we'll re-open the place. We'll just have to check it out first." Actually, there was no such discussion. From the very beginning, Seifer and Quistis both agreed and planned that the PUB was to be one they'll be staying in during the mission. It is in places like these where all sorts of information comes in and goes… They didn't anticipate it being closed and being feared by the locals, though.
"Uhm… May I ask, then, what do you plan in doing for a living?" Eila began to ask again.
-For a living? Oh, so you're going with this now?- Quistis mentally commented. Now, that the PUB was not operating anymore. They were going to have to find another job that entails having to talk to other people in order to gather info. But which job should they take is actually Seifer's decision since he was the leader here.
"We're actually going to the Mayor's to see if there any available vacancies." It was Seifer who replied this one. They will probably just have to insist on wanting to stay in the PUB, though.
"Oh, I see," replied Elia, who keeps eyeing on Quistis for some reason. She was looking at her midsection.
Quistis sighed. She knew she was going to ask, so she might she as well cut to the chase. "I'm not pregnant, if that's what you're wondering."
"Oh, sorry… If I may have offended you." Elia hastily said. There was not a trace of sincerity at all. "Well, this might be quite personal question but…how did you two meet…?"
"We've known each other since we were kids… We grew up in an orphanage." Quistis replied. –Well, there is truth in there. Wonder if that made us too sympathetic?-
"Oh really… Gosh, I'm so sorry!" It was Daniel, speaking for the first time. "But you have known each since you were kids! That is a nice love story!"
"Thank you!" Both Seifer and Quistis said. They were relieved that he was back in the conversation. Unfortunately…
"Oh, better than ours, Honey!" Elia demanded. Her tone had gone high. She wasn't letting him take the limelight away from her.
"W-Well, of course, our story is the best, honey…" Daniel was stuttering again, holding their son tighter as if the baby was a shield against her rage.
"Well," Elia began, now in a reminiscing tone. "Just like you guys, we also grew up together going to the same school and all. But everything changed when we were sixteen. It was the time of Winhill Flower Festival. He asked me out to a dance in the town square!"
"Oh, that's nice…" Quistis forced herself to sound like she was really impressed. If she didn't, Elia would have probably continued on with her story. And Quistis wasn't that all impressed by the story. After all, the last time she saw two people dance together and fall in love were two of her closest friends and it was not that long ago either… (Squinoa fan, eh? xD)
"So… Quistis," asked Elia again. "How did he propose to you?"
The question was so sudden that it startled Quistis, causing her face to blush. "Well, he, uh… asked me to come with him and walk by… to the Balamb Town's Harbor. The sun was about to set, you see… Uhh… Oh you tell them, Seifer!"
-What! You're putting this one on me now… Geez…- Seifer thought to himself. But he has to think fast. Both of them never really talked about what their "love story" would be during their one-week preparation. For starters, talking about this kind of thing was just so far away from their comfort zone. They had only concentrated on the essentials of the mission instead, never about their undercover identities…
"And then I casually said, 'Hey can't we stay like this forever?'" Seifer "re-enacted", thinking of the cheesiest line he can ever think of at that moment. "And when she turned to me, I was already down on one knee and popped the ring! I didn't even need to ask the question coz she just jumped and said yes! That was the happiest day of my life!"
Seifer finished with a smile. Suddenly, he felt warmth in his left hand. He looked over and saw Quistis smiling and holding his left hand with hers. –Oh well, gotta milk the moment!-
And that moment was indeed perfect. There was Seifer and Quistis, holding hands and with smiles on their faces. They had to convince another group of people that they are very much in love. Tonight, back at the hotel room will be very, very, very, awkward. But for now, Seifer was starting to lose himself, drowning into Quistis's blue eyes. Sure enough, Daniel, Zen and even Bailey the mother chocobo (xD) had dreamy looks in their faces.
"Oh well, sure! Yes, lovely story! I'm sure we'll talk a lot more about that! You're off to the Mayor's right! Better get going then!" Eila hastily said, ruining the moment. She hurriedly took back the baby away from her husband and into her arms. "And what is this, Honey? How come Bailey and Keely are out of the fence again! I thought you said Gylan has already fixed it!"
"W-Well, Sweetie… He did fix the fence about 15 minutes ago but… Little Keely here always runs around outside the fence! The mother would be worried every time so she always crashes into it!"
"That is why I have told you time and time again! We should built a cage and keep this little chick inside! You always never listen to me!"
"N-no, I always listen to you, Sweetie… It's just… Keely's a 3 month old chicobo! At this stage she should be running around freely to develop her legs and her motor skills! T-this was always taught and passed down to me by my father and his father before him… I-"
"Oh sure!" Elia interrupted. "Here I am, enduring sleepless nights feeding the baby! And just this morning I had to walk our eldest daughter to school for that wretched Tree-planting activity. And wow, would you believe that I still found the time to cook breakfast for you while you sleep and snore and roll around the bed!"
"Yes, yes… I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" said Daniel. His back was hunched over as he apologized. "I'm aware I promised that I would take Brietta to her school but… I'm sorry… It's just… uhh… I was over at the Winhill Hotel last night and I…"
His wife gasped, and clutched her baby boy tighter. "You were out drinking again! I thought you said you will only drink during occasions!"
"Sweetheart, it was for an occasion… I-it was… For the newcomers' party! We were giving them a big welcome! Right, guys?" He looked over to the three teenagers with desperate pleading eyes. The trio was hesitant to answer. Sure, they did held a party in Seifer and Quistis's honor last night. But it was also true that he had drunk more than the occasional consumption, despite Gylan's repeated warnings…
"Yes, Elia…" Zen decided to help the poor guy anyway. "He was there in the Hotel with us… but I can promise you… he was in his best behavior!"
"Oh sure," Elia rolled her eyes. She probably didn't hear the last sentence, seeing as her eyes were now fuming at the confirmation that her husband was at the Hotel the previous night. Slowly, Mrs. Sheckleton took a deep breath and said to the three, "Well kids, if you would excuse us for a moment. I'd like to have a little private conversation with my good-for-nothing husband! You three had best be on your way to the Mayor now."
And so, with hesitation, the three left poor Daniel and went on forward. And just like the last time, another person was going to get scolded again. They could literally hear the Mother Hen's cackle from the distance.
"Gosh," began Seifer. "Now I can imagine why Grandpa Britz left the old witch! I can tell he was seriously fed up with her! Man, I feel sorry for Daniel, though…"
"I agree…" Quistis said. "I can't believe Daniel would even marry that woman. She was totally bossing him around!"
"Well," Zen began to explain. "I hear she wasn't used to be like that. And I can tell you they were very much in love when they wed. Trust me, I was the ring boy! But ever since Daniel was left with the chocobo farm and the birth of their first child, Brietta… Elia was starting to complain about a lot of things. And it went on and on…"
-Whoa… Is getting married really that scary?- Seifer thought at the back of his head. His idea of marriage was always that of a blissfully happy partnership. It probably something that has gotten to with the Kramers – their only adult role models…
Then, Zen began to laugh. "But, man, that was priceless. I can't wait to tell Aunt Astrid about this! You two made another first!"
"A first in… what exactly?" asked Quistis.
"What? You couldn't tell?" Zen said. "Elia was totally trying to better you Quistis! That's why she keeps asking questions at you! That's always her annoying habit! She always point out to others that she was the Best Wife in all of Winhill! But when you two told your proposal story, she was like beaten for the first time… And so, poor Daniel became the scapegoat again!"
"Wow…I didn't know that she was trying… to outdo me," Said Quistis. But come to think of it, this 18 year old young woman had never really encountered this type of bossy women, which is probably she didn't notice.
"Hahaha! She is sooo going to mark you at all times! Like, which of you is the better cook? Which of you has better party clothes? Well, I can tell… you will win hands down, Quistis! Oh man! This is going to be just fun! I am so glad I met you guys!" Zen said, with excitement.
-What? She thinks we're rivals on who is the Better Housewife? Oh please no… Hyne…What is it with this town…?- Quistis thought, as she only forced to smile as Zen led the way.
Such was the small rural town of Winhill… The town Seifer and Quistis were going to help in this mission. Forget about the syndicates and the illegal activities going underground somewhere! Winhill has a really serious problem right here… And this problem is from within the town itself… Maybe it's no wonder Stella didn't have as much customers as she had hoped for her newly refurbished Hotel. It's because the old Witch just lives nearby, ready to shoo them away…
Maybe this was the reason why even the syndicates placed Winhill as their base of operations… It's because it was Winhill itself that is shunning off the outsiders.
-This is going to be a loooooooong mission- Both Seifer and Quists were thinking the exact same thing…
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0000 (KAWAII HANA 08) 0000 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hi there, everyone! I've finally updated! Wheee! Thus begins the Winhill Mayhem arc… Heeheehee…
I'm really proud I've gotten this far in this story… I mean… I haven't updated in so long… But oh well, at least, I have hinted as to what the villains of this story would be… Yup, those four black-and-white photos will be very, very important… I kinda based it from the game, too. Remember when the Overture is being played at the beginning? And then the photos of the characters were being shown… but not really showing their faces, just their special attributes that makes us know who they are…
Speaking of villains, although they are not really villains, just the characters you will love to hate, which of the two do you hate more? Is it the bitter Mrs. Trudy Venson or the stuck-up Mrs. Elia Scheckleton? It's a little poll I'm going to have for this chapter… I hope to see your answers in your reviews… xD Oh, please tell me why you hate them from their introductions so far… xD
Well, I have no idea at all when the last update will be… But until then, I hope you'll all still be here waiting for me…
Thanks for reading… (and reviewing, if you please…) and…
SAYONARA!