Sorry this chapter took so long. My muse was on strike. We have finally come to an agreement. I bake all the cookies he wants and in return I get ideas...xD

I have made some changes to this chapter...it got away from me and now I am slowly editing it to make it better. I am open to ideas if anyone wants to send some my way.

Seifer was trembling with emotions he couldn't begin to sort out. There were too many and some of them were complete contradictory. He could only hope that this tale he was about to tell wouldn't cause him to lose his newfound family.

"I know that in at least one way everything that happened was my choice. I went with her willingly...at least at first. I thought I knew what being a knight was about," My so-called romantic dream "but I didn't, not really. I never realised just how fucked up you could get if the sorceress was...I don't know how to put it...crazy?" Insane...and terribly angry..... He shuddered remembering the look in her eyes. "From what I gather, the people of her time treated her abominably. In a way I feel kinda sorry for her, but she didn't have the right to destroy the lives of innocents. I wish I'd had the strength to do what Squall did. The ability to put her out of her misery. But I didn't and to those who don't know me it appeared I was a willing participent. That it isn't true doesn't seem to matter to people and they won't listen to my side....they won't see that once she got her claws into me I was helpless to stop her....fuck...I was helpless to stop myself. My mind was cooped up in a tiny corner of my brain...forced to watch in horror. After she died, I was so overcome with pain and grief at all that had happened that I-I wanted to die for awhile. I had time to reflect on what happened...to accept that I couldn't have done anything different while I was lost in the time stream." Which is a good thing, since I would have probably killed myself otherwise.

Dillon saw the look that passed through his nephew's eyes and suddenly realized just how close he had gotten to losing Seifer. In his shoes...I don't know what I would have done. I have people that I love and who love me to return to. Who did he have?

Seifer continued after taking a deep, calming breath. "It took me a long time to find my way out of there and when I did I was immediately seized by the Galbadian government and put into 'protective custody'." He gave a bitter laugh. "Truth is they wanted to execute me without bothering with a trial. I knew too much. They go on and on about being victims when they not only wanted what she offered...hell...they were the ones who went looking for her...not the other way around. Of course they thought she was Edea Cramer at the time, but that is hardly the point. I guess they thought I was too stupid to figure out that they wanted to hide the true reason for killing me. They couldn't risk my testimony. Thankfully, they couldn't kill me where they found me. I happened to appear out of nowhere in the middle of the shopping district in Deling City....in plain sight of the public. As soon as they got me out of the city, I used every trick I'd learned at Garden to escape. Once I'd lost them, I started my journey here."

"Why did you come here, Seifer?" Dillon had a feeling Seifer hadn't known about Dominion for long. Someone told him to come here....question was...why?

"I'm not surprised you're wondering about that....I don't know how you'll react to it, but I'm here because of her. She gave me a task before she died. Please don't think I'm here to honor her 'request' though. I'd never do that." He hesitated for a second. I guess I should tell him.... "She told me that there is something here...an amulet of some kind that she wanted badly. She wanted it...so it can't be good. I want to destroy it if possible."

Dillon started when Seifer mentioned that the sorceress had sent him here to search for something hidden in the village. Dear god...does he mean....THAT amulet​? "Seifer...if what you...what she wanted is what I think it is...you can't just destroy it. The Rose is an ancient artifact of immense power and it is protected by an entity that'lll kill to keep it safe...particularly from sorceresses."

"The rose?" Seifer said, suddenly confused. "I was sent to find a flower?" What the fuck?

Dillon gave a semi-amused snort and said, "It isn't a flower. Its an amulet that is shaped like a rose. The legends say that it was one of the favorite ornaments of Hyne. I don't know if I believe that, but I do know that it is a treasure that many would kill to possess. It holds untold secrets of power and magic. The Guardian Force that protects it is also bound to it. What most do not realize, however, is that only the one chosen by the amulet may use it. She was a fool, that sorceress, if she thought that simply possessing it would make it hers."

Seifer sat up straight as a thought suddenly entered his head about another artifact that had been found recently. I wonder....hell, doesn't hurt to ask. "You mean its...like Solomon's Ring?"

His uncle looked startled. "Solomon's Ring? Why do you ask about that...for that matter how do you even know of it?" Another artifact was found?

"Squall and his friends found it at Tear's Point in Esther. Apparently, the ring accepted one of them as its master. Not sure who, but I'm betting on Squall or Irvine. I heard it came with a Guardian Force as well..." Probably Squall.

Dillon went a little white around the lips as he realized that the Heir of Hyne was alive in his time. He wanted to tell Seifer everything but it was an extremely long tale that he didn't want to have to repeat. Irvine isn't the Heir. We would've known the moment he was born, if he had been. This Squall must be the one. I wonder who he is and where he's from. "Squall? Who exactly is that?" He tried to keep his tone only slightly interested...hiding his sudden fear and excitement.

Seifer gave him an odd look, wondering why he wanted to know about Squall, and said, "Squall is a SeeD. I grew up with him. He was also at the orphanage, and like me, he was never adopted. We were sent to Balamb Garden when we were very young. I was almost seven at the time and he was just turned six. We got along fine at first, but the older we got the more...I don't know...combative we got. He manages to piss me off without even trying. He's so fucking stoic and...introverted. I couldn't help but pick on him, to make him react. Someone needed to crack that fucking shell of his...make him more human, I guess. Heh...I hated the way he would try to ignore me...made me so mad." Never understood what it was about him...even when we were kids...I always wanted him to notice me...to like me. "After she got me...well...if anyone suffered at my hands during the war, it was him. I really think...she....she was scared of him...I don't know why, but...she was determined to destroy him. I-I...she used my body to torture him..." He felt a tear run down his cheek. I tried so hard to fight her....I wanted to save him so bad. I needed to protect him...from her.

"You love him." It was a statement, not a question. I don't doubt she would try to destroy Squall...if she suspected or knew who he was.

"Me? Love him?" Seifer laughed hysterically at his uncle, but deep inside he wondered. Is that why hurting him...felt so very wrong? No...No can't be. I'm not...gay.

"Yes, Seifer. I think so. Don't get me wrong. I am not necessarily suggesting that it's romantic love. There are many kinds of love. For all I know what you feel is brotherly. You did grow up together." Dillon smiled at his nephew's reaction, knowing that the boy was in denial. If Squall's the heir, then maybe Seifer can still be a knight. Hell, perhaps he always has been and just didn't realize it. This Squall is special to him. I can feel it. Seifer is bonded to someone, but it wasn't her. If he was her knight she wouldn't have been able to hurt him. It's a life bond...if he'd actually had been her Knight he wouldn't be standing here...alive.

Brotherly love? I wish. No...if I love him it isn't like a brother. Squall is temptation personified. He's beautiful. Hyne...where the fuck did that thought come from? Seifer was shocked at the sudden realization that he was attracted to Squall and ran out of the room. He found the nearest door that led to the outside of the house and exited through it. He was relieved when Dillon didn't follow, apparently realizing that he needed time alone...to think. He wandered along a path, and soon found himself standing silently, gazing at a sunlit pond that he found hidden in the back garden of his family's home. He was pondering his uncle's reaction to his story and everything else that had come out after he finished telling him. I guess....maybe my feelings toward Squall are stronger than I ever knew. Fucking hell, I only knew that I couldn't leave him alone...even if I did try. Fuu always did tease me about him...she must've seen something I didn't. Damn perceptive female. I won't admit I'm in love him. Nowhere near to ready to take that leap yet. Seifer smiled with grim determination and decided to take a short nap to clear his mind. I will deal with the emotional crap later...for now I am gonna relax and enjoy my freedom..temporary though it may be.

"We are almost there. Irvine there's a coat in my bag that might fit you. It's too big for me, so if it fits, its yours." Squall landed the Ragnarök in the snowfield just south of the Garden.

"Thanks, man. Ah sure do appreciate it." Irvine drawled with a grin. He walked over to Squall's things and picked up a long, black leather trench coat. He whistled through his teeth when he realized it was lined with silky soft, black fur. "Is this real fur, Squall?"

"No. Its a specially designed faux fur that has a high thermal rating. Its waterproof and fire resistant. I ordered it online and it didn't fit. My purchase was non-refundable, so I kept it and ordered another in a smaller size. If it fits I'm glad, 'cause it means my money wasn't wasted. Hell, might've been fate." Squall watched Irvine try it on. Looks good. A perfect fit.

"Fits like a dream." Irvine walked into the bathroom and admired his reflection. Holy crap...ah look hot in this. Squally sure does have taste...in leather. Ladies will swoon at the sight of me in this. Maybe ah should wear black more often. Irvine smiled and headed back to where Squall was waiting. "Where's Sephy? Are we gonna go soon?"

"Here I am. Oh wow...Irvy, that looks totally awesome on you. Where'd you get it?" Selphie asked, her eyes practically bugging out of her head. He's so hot..if he wasn't my cousin, I'd jump him right now. Oh girl, get those thoughts outta your head. Think of icky things...Cid naked...yeah maybe that will work. She tried really hard not to gag at that mental picture. At least she wasn't feeling lustful anymore. She knew she'd have to learn not to look at Irvine like that anymore, but it would be difficult.

"From Squall. He got the wrong size all accidental like an' since he couldn't get his money back, he said ah could have. Do ya like it?" Irvine strutted toward her like a runway model, stopping about a foot away from her. He posed and gave an exaggerated leer, which made Selphie giggle.

"Lets get moving. I want to be in Dominion before sundown." Squall said, shaking his head at their antics. He walked over to the exit and opened the hatch. They walked in silence from the Ragnarök to the gates of the Garden without running into any monsters. Arriving, they discovered that the gates had been repaired and were locked. "Hmm...do either of you see a way to get their attention? Like a buzzer or something?"

"There is a little camera-looking thingy over here Squall. It has a red button on it. Maybe thats the doorbell?" Selphie pressed the button down and said in an extremely loud voice. "Helloooo...is anyone in there.......?"

The men looked at each other in complete horror at her carelessness. What the fuck is she thinking..., they both thought simultaneously. "Selphie, please don' push random buttons. What if it'd been a trap or somethin'? You coulda got us all killed." Irvine hissed at her. Sometimes ah wonder if she ever even considers thinkin' before actin'. Ah love her t' death an' all, but seriously she needs to be more careful.

Selphie looked horrified when she realized what she might have caused. "I'm so sorry," she wailed. "I promise I won't touch anything else." She ran to Irvine and hugged him tightly, sniffling loudly. When will I learn not to mess with things?

Irvine sighed softly and hugged her back. "Just be more careful, k? It would break m' heart if somethin' bad happened to ya." No matter how hard ah try, ah can't stay mad at her for long.

"Okay," she whispered. Irvine's such a great guy. He always makes me feel better.

Suddenly, a tall, thin man with hair a shocking shade of orange came ambling up to the gate saying, "Howdy folks! What can I do to help you today?"

Squall threw back his shoulders, saluted, and said in a firm tone. "I am here to speak to the Headmaster. Please inform him that three SeeDs from Balamb Garden are here." I hope we don't get the runaround here.

The man blinked and said, "I'm the acting Headmaster. Headmaster McCain succumbed to his heart condition last night. He'll be sorely missed." The man's face and voice were calm, but his eyes were sad.

Selphie flung herself at Irvine and sobbed into his shoulder. "Oh no...no...this can't be happening. He can't be dead...he can't. I didn't get to say goodbye." Headmaster McCain is dead? Hyne...if only...I should've visited sooner. Now I'll never get to tell him how much he meant to me. He's the only father I've ever had. I'll miss him so much.

"You knew the Headmaster? Do I know you, miss?.....oh dear....Miss Selphie, is that you? I don't know if you remember me or not. I'm Reynald Atchinson."

"You're Little Renny? No way. You're so very tall." She was momentarily shocked out of her tears. Wow, he's changed a lot...I hardly recognize him. "You're Headmaster?"

Reynald gave a small smirk and said, "I grew. This summer alone I gained nearly 6 inches. Shocked the hell outta everyone. Guess I'm a late bloomer. As being Headmaster, well, the students all got together and voted. Its just until we hear from the other Gardens, I think. Anyway...I know you, but who are these men?"

"This is my cousin, Irvine Kinneas," she gestured at Irvine who nodded his head, "and Squall Leonhart, Commander of Balamb Garden."

"You're Commander Leonhart? Gosh, you are younger than I expected." Reynald said, a startled expression crossing his features. This kid is the hero of the 2nd Sorceress War? He's my age. Wow...and since when does little Sephy have a cousin?

".......," Squall glared him then turned toward Selphie, "Selphie, I'm sure you have people to talk to. Go and do what you must. If you wish, you can stay here while Irvine and I continue on to Dominion. I'm sure Cid won't mind." Selphie nodded in thanks and ran toward the Garden, wanting desperately to see her friends.

"Dominion? You can't possible be heading there. That place is off limits." The Reynald exclaimed, horrified that anyone would even think of going to that town.

"Whatever." Squall raised an elegant brow. "Going there is intrigal to our mission. Also, Selphie and Irvine are from there." Squall was curious as to why this Reynald guy thought that they couldn't go there. What about this town that makes it off limits?

​​​​"What do you mean? Wait...they were born there? If that's true, how the hell did they end up at Garden? People never leave the village. Trust me. We watch 'em like hawks. There's something about that village that makes me and the others very nervous. Besides, Headmaster McCain wouldn't let us go near it. He didn't give any of us a real reason, but he was adamant that we stay away."

"So, you don't know why? Hmm...I guess there is nothing to learn here then. Irvine, want to just head there now or wait for Selphie?"

"Ah think we should check on Selphie first and ah still need t' pick up a few supplies. The coat is great 'n all but ah think some warmer clothing is still in orderl." Poor Sephy. She told me that the old headmaster was like a father t' her. Must be tearin' her up t' lose him, so sudden like. Ah just wanna make sure she's okay before we head out.

"I guess that's fine. I still want to leave today though." Squall wasn't surprised by Irvine's concern for Selphie. Even before the closeness of their blood tie was revealed, Irvine had always kept a close eye on her. Selphie's very resilient. I'm sure she'll be joining us when we leave here. She isn't one to wallow in misery. She'll put on a brave face. I know at least half of her cheerful disposition is a mask most of the time. She is far deeper than people give her credit for. People didn't give him credit for his depths either. Many people thought his coldness was just the way he was....not seeing it for the defense mechanism it was. Maybe someday, I will find someone who will see beyond the facade. Someone who will see me...not the protective mask I wear.

Reynald gave a barely perceptible grimace then smiled. "I guess, if I can't talk you out of going there, the least I can do is make your trip more comfortable. Mr. Kinneas, if you will just follow me, I am sure we have some cold weather gear that'll fit you."

Irvine relaxed and grinned. "Why thank ya! That'll make mah trip so much easier. Ah truly do appreciate your kindness." Well..thats one burden off m' shoulders. Ah hope the gear looks good though...ah would hate to be stuck wearin' somethin' thats unattractive on me. A guy has gotta have his standards.

The Headmaster nodded and gestured for them to follow him. They entered the Garden's grounds and walked toward the partially repaired building.

TBC