Chapter Eleven: Galbadia Garden; SeeD's New Objective
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Final Fantasy VIII no matter how much I wish they were my works. Any additional characters added are mine.
oOoOo
After some time, Squall emerged from the tent having freshened up and moved over to the fire, sitting on the log opposite Hermione. He glanced over at her, but she immediately averted her gaze from his. He frowned, she looked embarrassed, but he couldn't understand why. Maybe she feels bad for what she said? he mused, crossing his arms. She shouldn't, she was right… he trailed off in his thoughts, putting them to the back of his mind for the moment.
Squall glanced up at the sky. 'We should probably think about leaving, the day's getting on,' he said, scanning the camp before looking towards the exit of the forest which would take them to Monterosa Plateau and Galbadia Garden beyond.
Quistis nodded. 'Yeah, let's get everything packed up, and we'll head off,' she agreed, standing up to start clearing things away.
Hermione pulled out her wand. 'I'll handle that,' she said, starting to wave it and cast a spell which would pack the camp up in seconds, but she froze when she noticed them recoil. 'Or… we could do it the old-fashioned way,' she whispered, stowing her wand away grouchily and walking over to the tents.
No one moved or said anything as they watched Hermione tugging the pins out of the ground which supported the tent she had been sharing with Selphie and Quistis. After a moment they heard her growl under her breath in frustration and glanced at each other almost ashamedly. Squall sighed, making the first move to go and help her and pull the other tent down which prompted the others to follow suit.
It took them a while, but eventually everything was packed up and securely stored away in their respective bags. They headed towards the dirt path and Hermione hesitated in following, lowering her head to look at the ground. Her shoulders slumped and she closed her eyes. It would be so simple just to Apparate away… she thought fleetingly and the temptation was becoming more intense with each passing second as tears welled in her eyes.
Squall glanced back at the clearing, stopping as he realised Hermione hadn't moved. He gazed at her, noticing she was trembling slightly. 'Hermione?' he called to her, which caused the others to pause as well, looking towards her.
Hermione shook her head, unable to look up at them. 'I…' she trailed off, her voice trembling. She had been wanting to tell them the truth about not being from their world, but she didn't think it would be so difficult. Would informing them now really be the best decision considering how afraid they already were of her being a Sorceress? Would it only cause them to back off from her even more? At this point, all she could think about was escaping to work on her mission alone. She stared at the ground, closing her eyes as she heard the shuffling of footsteps coming back over to her.
A couple of tears fell from Hermione's eyes as a gloved hand gently took hold of her chin, and she looked up to find stony blue ones gazing back at her. His expression betrayed no emotions, but his eyes softened slightly as he gently wiped a tear from her cheek away. 'What is it?' Squall whispered, tilting his head at her.
For a moment, Hermione found herself lost in those azure pools and forgot what she wanted to say. She shook herself mentally, no, I need to tell them, she thought, taking a deep breath, and pulling herself out of Squall's grasp. She wiped the remnants of her tears away before glancing at them all in turn. 'I have a confession,' she told them, shaking her head, and clenching her shaking hands. 'I'm not from here,' she whispered and then kicked herself mentally for being so vague.
They raised their eyebrows in misunderstanding at this. 'Well that much is obvious,' Zell piped up, chuckling as he shook his head.
Hermione sighed. 'No, what I mean is…' she trailed off, feeling like a total idiot now. She closed her eyes tightly. 'I'm… n-not from your w-world,' she stuttered, lowering her head as she braced herself for the multitude of questions she was expecting.
Nothing.
Hermione blinked and peered up slowly, glancing at them all in turn. Quistis was breathing erratically, and her face had gone pale; Selphie was frowning, her head tilted to the side like she was still trying to process the information, and Zell had a similar expression though he just looked baffled. Hermione shifted her eyes to Squall and tears came to her eyes at his impassive expression. She shook her head, letting the tears fall.
'So, what does that mean exactly?' Selphie finally asked after several minutes of stony silence.
Hermione reached up to wipe her tears away before looking over at her. 'I… my friends and I found a room in the school I go to…' she trailed off, her voice shaking as she tried to still her racing heart. 'I was taken and brought here to your world,' she replied, feeling very small under the weight of their blank expressions. They don't believe me, she presumed as her shoulders wilted.
They will, Hermione. They just need some time to process everything. It is a huge revelation, but they will appreciate your honesty in time, Griever assured her with a sigh.
Hermione nodded internally, taking a deep breath before looking at them all. 'I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in and it sounds completely unbelievable, but I promise I'm telling the truth,' she told them, her voice quivering as they waited for her to continue. 'I never asked for any of this, or to put anyone else through it. I understand if you want me to leave…' she trailed off, choking out the words.
Hermione couldn't prevent the strangled sob that escaped from her as she struggled to calm herself down. 'I-I told Cid… everything, b-but I didn't… e-expect him to send me away on this journey. I-' Hermione was cut off in her stuttered ramblings.
'Wait, the Headmaster is aware?' Squall asked, crossing his arms as he frowned at her.
Hermione nodded, unable to look at him for fear of what she would glimpse there – or wouldn't considering his detached disposition earlier – and stared down at her trembling hands instead. 'Yes, and he was the one who suggested that I come with you so I can finish my mission and go home,' she explained, shaking her head. 'I was hoping to find out more about it all and how I can return home…' she trailed off, realising she was just starting to repeat herself now, so she fell silent.
'Then come with us,' Quistis said to Hermione, making everyone turn to look at her. She frowned at them. 'The Headmaster gave you all a mission to protect Hermione, correct?' she asked, and they glanced at each other awkwardly. 'Then he must have had good justification for it,' she rationalised, and they all nodded, except Squall who looked back at Hermione cagily.
Selphie nodded vigorously. 'Yeah! The Headmaster wouldn't have given us this contract if he didn't believe her! So, maybe we ought to just accept it for now,' she said with a smile to Hermione. 'Plus, we can always ask him about it once we return to Garden,' she added, receiving a nod of agreement from Quistis.
Hermione gave them a weak, watery smile, grateful to know at least two of her comrades were inclined to stand by her. 'Thank you,' she whispered, a few more tears trickling from her eyes.
Squall and Zell still didn't seem swayed by Selphie's words, and Hermione sighed knowing she couldn't just expect them to trust her without reservations. Griever was right, it was a huge admission, particularly with the knowledge that at least one other world existed outside of their own with life on it. Hell, she was stunned that Quistis was the first one to voice anything about it at all. She certainly didn't expect her to stand by her, not after her display of fear the night before. And Selphie… well, Selphie was known to accept pretty much anything without much encouragement.
Squall frowned, something flickering in his eyes that Hermione couldn't read, but it made her stomach twist in turmoil. 'I'll discuss this with the Headmaster when we get back to Garden,' he said quietly before turning on his heel and walking down the dirt path.
The others watched him go for a moment, casting each other a glance before following him. Hermione took a deep breath, trying to control her shaking hands. As easy as it would be for her to just Apparate away, she felt it would be better to just follow them and accept they would be on edge around her for the moment. As Cid had told her when she met him, these revelations would likely cause all manner of reactions in people, all of which vary from one to the next.
She had just been perplexed at their indifference to it more than anything. She had been anticipating a barrage of questions, but other than Selphie asking her to clarify, none of them questioned her about it. If she had discovered this about someone, she imagined she would be curious and want to ask them questions. She paused in these musings appreciating that she would doubtless only ask once the initial shock of the revelation had worn off and had processed soundly in her mind. She understood then that it wasn't so much disinterest that had them reserved about it, they were in shock and perhaps even in denial. She would be more than happy to explain anything they wanted to then when they were ready and if they inquired about it, assuming for the moment they were still seeking to fathom it themselves.
Hermione looked up from her shaking hands, watching as Quistis disappeared around a bend in the dirt path ahead. She sighed, steeling her nerves as she started the trek after them.
Hermione didn't catch up to them until they had paused at the perimeter of the forest to assess the vast desert valley in front of them: Monterosa Plateau. There was naught here either, just an extensive stretch of barren plains. In the distance, Hermione could just make out a large structure and guessed it must be Galbadia Garden.
Zell indicated to the structure. 'We're almost there!' he said eagerly, confirming Hermione's thoughts about it.
Squall nodded. 'Be on your guard and stay close,' he told them, reaching up and grasping the handle of his Gunblade. 'Monsters lurk in these plains,' he explained, his eyes darting across the expanse to pre-empt any attacks as they crossed.
They all nodded as they slowly followed him across the plateau, remaining alert for any signs of movement. For a while, they came across nothing, no monsters, or any people at all and they let their guard down a touch.
As they drew closer to Galbadia Garden, Squall abruptly held his arm out to stop them. Hermione frowned, peering around him to see a bizarre looking creature floating in front of them. 'What is it?' she asked him, pulling her wand out of her bag in case she needed it.
Quistis grimaced. 'A Blood Soul, malicious little bastards,' she answered, unravelling her whip from around her waist. 'Get ready, it's more formidable than it appears,' she cautioned them, receiving nods.
Zell cracked his knuckles, stretching his arms and neck, while Selphie and Squall unsheathed their weapons. Hermione glanced at Squall's blade, her eyes widening as she took it in properly for the first time. It was beautiful, and she wanted to get a better glimpse at it, but she knew now was not the time.
Without warning, the Blood Soul began to move unpredictably, before vanishing and rematerialising in front of them. Hermione dodged it as it sped towards her, and Zell took the opportunity to seize it, punching it a few times before it got away. As it made to retaliate on him, it felt the sting of Quistis's whip while Squall swung at it with his Gunblade.
It was still alive though, and it looked enraged. It let out a high-pitched screech prompting them to cover their ears. It was sufficient time for it to move in again, heading straight for Selphie. 'Protego!' Hermione cried, and a protective bubble appeared around Selphie. The Blood Soul bounced off it, dragging its razor-sharp teeth down the side, sounding like nails across a chalkboard which made them cringe. Grimacing, Hermione aimed her wand at it. 'Incendio!' she cast, fire bursting forth from her wand and setting the hideous monster aflame. It shrieked in agony before falling to the ground, dead.
Hermione put her wand away, turning to the others. 'Everyone okay?' she asked, her whole body stiffening at the looks they were giving her.
Squall was the first to recover. 'Yeah, we're fine,' he muttered, sheathing his Gunblade and crossing his arms.
Hermione sighed, setting her jaw as she aimed her wand at Selphie. 'Finite Incantatem,' she whispered, tears welling in her eyes as the protective bubble lifted. Without another word, Hermione turned on her heel and continued walking towards the sizable structure in the distance, knowing they would catch up to her.
Selphie frowned miserably, watching her go. She appreciated that Hermione wasn't out to harm them and was just trying to help. She glanced over at the others with a sigh. 'Guys, I think we need to trust her more,' she whispered, shaking her head as they looked at her. 'So, she's a Sorceress, who cares. I genuinely believe she's not a danger to us,' she added, crossing her arms.
Squall sighed. 'Maybe,' he muttered softly, shifting to gaze at Hermione who was quite a bit ahead of them now, walking with her head down and her arms crossed.
Zell shook his head. 'Come on, let's catch up to her and do our job,' he muttered, receiving nods of agreement from the others. They all fell into a jog, quickly catching up to Hermione.
Hermione refused to look at any of them as they fell into step around her, but she did notice that some of the tension she sensed from them before had eased, making her feel a touch better. She frowned, hoping that Galbadia Garden had a library so she could hide there and lose herself in her beloved books for a while. She needed a break from all the judgement she had been getting from her comrades lately.
She swallowed roughly as she thought of home. She was desperately homesick after everything that had happened. At least people weren't afraid of her there, and she was accepted by others like her, and even by some Muggles. This world was just so different, and she wasn't even certain if anyone used magic except Sorceresses. There also didn't seem to be any men who could wield magic here which was strange to her. Why were only women capable of it? She shook her head, starting to feel fed up with being condemned as some heretic when she had no intention of hurting anyone if she could help it.
oOoOo
Before too long, the five companions arrived at the entrance to Galbadia Garden, taking in the massive building in awe. Hermione glanced around as they walked up the long stone path towards the reception area, appreciating straightaway that this Garden was vastly different to Balamb Garden. Above them, cadets glided around in military-tech machines, and they ducked as one soared overhead coming to land a few metres in front of them on the path.
They walked through the circular entrance hall, heading towards the waiting area next to the reception. A girl was sitting on one of the benches reading a book and looked up as they approached, eyeing them suspiciously. 'Which academy are you from?' she asked with a frown, resting her book in her lap. 'You sure don't look like students from here,' she added, glancing at them all in turn.
Quistis smiled at her. 'We're here from Balamb Garden and need to see the Headmaster. Do you know if he's available?' she asked, shifting into her Instructor role, and taking charge of the conversation.
The girl nodded. 'Oh, I see! Well, I think the Headmaster is in a meeting, but reception should be able to tell you when he's free,' she explained with a smile, pointing to the large reception desk close to the security barriers.
Quistis nodded. 'Thank you,' she said, leading the group towards the security barriers. 'Wait here,' she told them, receiving nods as she went over to the reception desk.
They looked past the barriers to the sizeable, open hall which branched off cardinally to other areas of the Garden. 'Wow… completely different,' Selphie whispered in awe.
Zell nodded. 'Sure is quiet,' he muttered, crossing his arms.
Squall's lips twitched as he crossed his arms. 'I like it,' he stated, making Zell and Selphie chuckle. Hermione glanced up at him with a small smile, but he frowned and looked away from her to the floor. The smile faded from her face, and she sighed, her shoulders slumping a bit.
Selphie nodded. 'It's totally different from Trabia Garden as well!' she said, tilting her head.
Hermione looked at her. 'So, you've seen all three Gardens, Selphie?' she asked, curious about how different Trabia was now that she had seen Balamb and Galbadia Gardens.
Selphie spun to her excitedly, her eyes shining. 'You'd love it there, Hermione! It was such a fun place to grow up!' she said eagerly, taking hold of Hermione's arm in her enthusiasm.
Just as she was about to launch into a full-blown explanation about Trabia Garden, Quistis returned over to them after a few moments of hushed conversation and signing paperwork. She glanced at Selphie apologetically, understanding she was interrupting something which excited the girl, and turned to look at them. 'Could you leave this one up to me?' she asked, shifting her eyes to Squall. 'I've been here several times, and I know the Headmaster pretty well,' she explained with a shrug.
Squall nodded. 'Okay, we'll leave it to you,' he agreed and Quistis smiled before walking through the barrier.
Quistis turned back to them on the other side. 'I'll go and explain our situation,' she said in parting before heading off into the Garden further to meet with the Headmaster.
Hermione sighed. 'I wonder if there's a library here,' she whispered absently, more to herself than the others, as she scanned around for any signs which may direct her to one.
Squall crossed his arms. 'Perhaps but exploring is not our top priority. We're here for a reason, not to look around,' he said firmly, tapping a finger on his arm impatiently.
Hermione frowned at him. 'I know I just-' she cut herself off as he shook his head and strode through the barriers. 'I just…' she trailed off, lowering her eyes to the floor before closing them.
Selphie sighed, shaking her head. 'Don't take him too seriously, Hermione. He's been nothing but a grump for days now,' she said with a smile, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
They were pulled from their chat as the speaker on the wall jingled. 'Attention, SeeD party from Balamb Garden: Please wait in the second-floor Reception Room,' a woman's voice announced.
Zell turned to them. 'Come on, we better do as we've been told,' he said, leading them through the barriers as the announcement rang out a second time.
Zell and Selphie walked ahead of Hermione at a brisk pace to catch up with Squall, but she was in no rush to receive any further snide remarks and impassive looks from him. He had been treating her terribly since they had made camp the night before, and she still couldn't comprehend why. And since divulging the truth to them, he had seemed even worse if that was possible. It was like he couldn't tolerate being around her anymore.
Hermione shook her head, speculating on why any of this even fazed Squall. He didn't seem the type to care about much of anything. Yet, she knew this couldn't be entirely true. She suspected that deep down inside him he was suppressing a more gentle, tender side to him. He had shown it a few times, maybe without intending to, but it had been there. So, what changed with him since the night before?
Hermione raised her eyes to gaze at Squall from where he had taken the lead towards the meeting room. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, and his head was down. He looked deep in thought, and she yearned to know what he was thinking. Does he hate me now? Did he ever even like me? she wondered, feeling a lump in her throat at the thought of what the answers to those questions would be.
Hermione felt Griever's magic around her unexpectedly, causing her to jump. Do not worry about Squall, he will come around. This is just the way he is, the way he has always been, he told her gently, his tone soothing.
Hermione frowned, wondering how Griever could know Squall and the others at all. How do you know him so well? she asked curiously, fully anticipating her guardian to pull his magic back and vanish without replying.
There was a pause, I know a lot of things, was the response, and Hermione sighed. As normal Griever wasn't indulging any information, so she wasn't surprised by his ambiguity on the matter. Not that it was any less infuriating for her. What was different, however, was she still felt his magic encompassing her and she felt heartened by this. She wondered if he had sensed her inner turmoil and was providing her with the reassurance she was craving from her companions, knowing she wouldn't receive it for now.
The five comrades took the stairs up to a second-floor corridor and scanned around the hallway. Squall indicated to a sign outside a door which read: "Second Floor Reception Waiting Room". There was a sentry outside the door, eyeing them suspiciously and they made their way over to him.
Squall inclined his head to the guard politely. 'Hello, we're the students who arrived from Balamb Garden,' he said in greeting, looking back at him.
The guard nodded curtly. 'This is the reception room. Please wait here until you hear from the Master,' he said, unlocking the door for them and standing aside to let them enter.
When they entered the room, they were stunned to see the complete contrast in decoration here from what they had seen of Galbadia Garden as they made their way here. Gone were the solid grey, white, and red tones on plain walls to be replaced by a cosy lounge adorned with landscape pictures on the walls. Bookcases lined a back wall, a tea and coffee station were next to the door, and there were two large blue and white couches separated by a glass coffee table. It felt more like a room they would find in Balamb Garden.
The four companions made themselves comfortable, helping themselves to the tea and coffee which had been provided, except Squall who didn't seem interested. Zell took a seat on one of the couches cradling a cup of coffee in his hands as Selphie sat next to him, putting her tea on the table. Squall leaned against a wall next to the door and the bookshelves with his arms crossed, staring at the floor like it was the most rousing thing in the world.
Hermione sighed, walking over to the window, taking a sip of her coffee as she gazed out the window at the extensive training grounds for the students of this Garden. She frowned, knowing that her companions were still dubious about what she had told them. At least, she thought, Squall didn't seem to believe it at all. If Harry and Ron had been there with her, she would have had them to back her. Then again, if they were here, she probably wouldn't have gone on this journey with Squall and the others. Perhaps, she would never have met them at all. Even after everything and how they had been treating her recently, this thought pained her more than she thought it should have. She couldn't disregard the thought that if that had been the situation then it would have been for the best.
Hermione felt more like an outsider now than she did when she first met them. An unwanted guest in their party. She wouldn't be surprised if some part of them would have preferred her to leave. She genuinely believed that the only reason they continued to be around her was because of their sense of duty and unwillingness to go against Cid's orders. A tear escaped from her eye, running down her cheek, and she reached up to flick it away.
Over at the other side of the room, Squall found his eyes drawn to Hermione, watching the array of emotions flitting across her face as she stared out the window. He could see the tears in her eyes and closed his eyes guiltily knowing he was predominantly to blame for them. Maybe I've been too insensitive towards her. Does it really matter where she's from? he wondered, swallowing as he stared at the floor. It was a lot to take in and he still didn't know if he could accept her confession. He wanted to, but the implications were immense, and it was a terrifying prospect. He shook his head, regardless of the truth he knew that what really mattered was his mission to protect her. He gazed back over at her, watching her brush away more tears as they fell. He allowed himself to accept what his traitorous mind was screaming at him; he longed to be the one wiping her tears away…
There was a thick silence draping them all, and Selphie shattered it with an explosive sigh. She stood up, walking over to one of the windows next to Hermione. She glanced at her with a frown, noticing she had been crying, but didn't comment for now in front of Squall and Zell. She would check in with her later. She turned her gaze out the window instead. 'I wonder if they have a Garden Festival here, too?' she said, peering down at the grounds.
Zell frowned, crossing his arms. 'Doubtful,' he answered, shaking his head as Selphie and Hermione glanced over at him. 'It just doesn't seem like their thing. They're more likely to have a Military Parade than a Garden Festival,' he clarified, and the girls nodded in agreement to this.
Selphie crossed her arms. 'Yeah, you're probably right. They all seem so serious,' she replied, turning her gaze back to the window.
Hermione nodded absently. 'So, did Quistis attend this Garden?' she asked quietly, receiving shrugs from the others.
Squall shook his head. 'She may have come here for some classes, but that would have been it,' he explained, keeping his tone light, and glanced over at her before turning his attention back to the floor.
'Huh…' Hermione mumbled, turning back to the window.
There was a moment of silence following this until Zell stood, pacing the floor next to the couch. 'How much longer are they gonna make us wait?' he muttered, hitting his palm, and cracking his knuckles irritably.
oOoOo
It was quite some time before Quistis entered the room looking distraught. Everyone frowned, walking over to her. 'How'd it go?' Squall asked her, taking in her frazzled state.
Quistis sighed, crossing her arms. 'They understand our situation,' she established, and they all breathed a sigh of relief at this news. She moved over to Zell, placing a hand on his shoulder. 'And Balamb Garden is safe,' she told him reassuringly, giving him a faint smile.
Zell nodded. 'Good,' he whispered, sitting down on the couch with his head in his hands.
Hermione smiled at him, knowing this news would go a long way to easing his mind. She walked over and sat next to him, peering up at Quistis. 'So, what happened? What did they say about it?' she asked, rubbing Zell's back consolingly as he seemed like he was fighting back tears of relief.
Quistis's frown returned as she crossed her arms. 'The attack on the President in Timber was classified as an independent action,' she said, shaking her head. 'There was an official notice from the Galbadian Government stating that Balamb Garden is not being held responsible,' she explained, her eyes downcast.
Zell's eyes shot up to her in disbelief. 'So, Seifer's taking all the blame?' he asked her with a frown.
Quistis closed her eyes. 'The trial's over, and the sentence has been carried out…' she trailed off, breathing deeply as tears welled in her eyes.
Hermione was stunned. 'He was executed?' she asked in a whisper, before staring at the coffee table. 'Isn't that a bit extreme? I know he assaulted the President, but he was just a teenager…' she trailed off, shaking her head.
Seifer had been the same age as they were… and now he was dead? Just like that, a young life had been snuffed out like a candle. What if it had been Harry or Ron? Hell, even Malfoy? Hermione felt tears prick her eyes at the thought. She didn't have any love for Seifer, but she would never have wished death on him.
Hermione swallowed, shaking her head as she looked back up at Quistis. 'Do you think he was executed for helping Rinoa?' she asked her, wiping the tears away from her eyes. She was vaguely mindful of Squall eyeing her in bewilderment, but she disregarded him.
Quistis shrugged. 'That's the impression I got. Rinoa's Resistance Group are the ones who got Seifer involved in this, but…' she trailed off, her shoulders falling. 'I'm sure Seifer was prepared for the consequences of helping them. I don't think he did it for them entirely though,' she explained, sitting on the couch opposite Hermione. 'I met Rinoa a few times, and she seemed charming. Always telling Seifer not to get involved because she didn't want him getting hurt,' she whispered, shaking her head. 'She'll be devastated when she finds out,' she added, sighing dejectedly.
Hermione frowned. 'You knew her before all of this?' she asked, leaning forward in her seat, and resting her arms on her legs.
Quistis nodded. 'I met her a couple of times when she came to visit Seifer. They had been dating since last summer. She always seemed very nice,' she replied, looking back at her with a frown.
Hermione nodded. 'Fair enough,' she whispered, leaning back in her seat, and crossing her arms.
There was silence for a moment, everyone lost in their own thoughts. Selphie shook her head, looking over at Zell. 'You really hated Seifer, didn't you, Zell?' she asked, tilting her head at him.
Zell nodded, letting out a sigh. 'Yeah, but… he was from Garden… he was one of us,' he answered, shaking his head. 'I didn't like him at all, but executed? That… bastard…' he trailed off, closing his eyes. He growled after a moment. 'If I can, I wanna get revenge,' he stated, striking his fist into his palm.
Selphie wiped a tear from her own eye. 'Kinda sad…' she whispered, leaning her head against the window.
Quistis nodded, eyeing the floor miserably. 'I don't have any good memories of him. I've seen some troubled children, but he was beyond that,' she whispered, sighing as more tears fell from her eyes. 'Well, he wasn't really a bad guy. Seifer… never to be a SeeD,' she added, rubbing the tears from her eyes.
Squall glanced at them all in perplexity as he silently listened to them all talk about Seifer. He shook his head, walking over to the window. He leaned his hands on the windowsill, staring out at the grounds. "He wasn't really a bad guy"… "he was one of us"? he reiterated into his mind in disbelief at what he'd heard. Seifer… you've become just a memory, he thought, shaking his head. He turned back to glance at them all. So, this is what death is all about? They hate the guy to his face and behind his back while he's alive, but as soon as he dies, he's "one of us"? Squall clenched his fists, not understanding what was making him feel so annoyed by it.
Squall growled internally as his eyes fell on each of their faces which held grave expressions. His eyes halted on Hermione, the anger he was feeling intensifying by two-fold. Why does she even care!? She's not "one of us", and hardly knew the guy! he shouted into his mind, gritting his teeth as he tried to calm himself down.
Hermione crossed her arms. 'If only Seifer had never met Rinoa, maybe he'd still be here,' she whispered, shaking her head.
Quistis peered up at her with a frown. 'Why? Is there something vital I'm missing?' she asked, glancing between Squall and Hermione for clarification.
Hermione glanced over at Squall who didn't seem to be interested in the current line of conversation. If anything, he looked like he was having some sort of internal struggle with himself. She frowned before looking back at Quistis. 'Well, Zone and Watts, two of her companions in the Resistance, said Rinoa changed overnight roughly a week ago. They said it was like she was just an entirely different person…' she trailed off, wondering what happened to her. She had wanted to find out from Rinoa herself, but then she disappeared. Hermione shook those thoughts away. 'She tried to kill me…' she added in a whisper, her hands going to the bandages on her legs which still hadn't healed properly.
Quistis was startled at this admission. 'What!? When was this!?' she cried, standing up and staring at Squall. 'Why was I not told?' she asked him with a slight glare.
Squall shrugged. 'It's not important,' he replied nonchalantly, making everyone turn to look at him in alarm.
Hermione felt tears sting her eyes again as she stared at Squall in complete shock at what he had just said. So, she had been right, but she hadn't expected him to say it outright. Her life was not significant to him, and neither was his mission to protect her. She took deep breaths, trying to calm the clawing turmoil churning within her. Unable to be around him anymore, she let out a strangled sob before rushing out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
Quistis glanced from the door back to Squall in disbelief. 'How could you!?' she screamed at him, walking over, and jabbing him in the chest. 'You are truly heartless, Squall Leonhart!' she snapped, glaring at him. She turned on her heel and left the room, intending on finding Hermione.
'Seriously,' Selphie murmured, frowning at him before shaking her head and following.
Zell blinked in confusion. 'What the hell just happened?' he asked, but Squall disregarded him and left the room. He shook his head, trying to fathom what that was all about before following.
oOoOo
Squall ducked into the restroom next to the Reception Room they had been in. He moved over to the sink, removing his gloves. He ran the tap, letting the water flow into his hands before splashing it on his face. Reluctantly, he peered up into the mirror seeing his haunted sapphire eyes and pale face staring back, the scar Seifer had given him stark against it. He loathed himself in that moment. 'What the fuck is wrong with me?' he whispered to his reflection, not expecting an answer back.
He looked away from the mirror furiously, grasping the sides of the sink until his knuckles turned white. He closed his eyes against the torrent of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. Why did I say it like that? She's going to believe I don't care about her life… he trailed off in his thoughts, swallowing the lump forming in his throat. With a growl, he reached back his hand and punched the mirror, shattering it into pieces. He winced, inspecting his hand which was shredded from the broken glass, some fragments sticking out of his bleeding skin. He plucked out a few of the more visible bits of glass, flinching from the pain.
Squall shook his head, snatching up his gloves and stuffing them in his jacket pocket before grabbing some loo roll. He wrapped his hand in it before leaving the restroom. He scanned the corridor, intending on finding Hermione. He desperately needed to see her, so he could attempt to repair some of the damage he had caused. He knew she would be pissed at him and would most likely want nothing to do with him right now, but he had to try.
Squall walked down the corridor, following the signs for the library, hoping he would find Hermione there as she had wanted to check it out before they left. He was kicking himself, knowing he had really crossed a line with her this time. He knew she would doubtless never forgive him for coming across as so callous where her life was concerned, but in truth, Squall cared more than he could even admit to himself. It wasn't an emotion he was accustomed to, and it was alarming to him. His automatic response was to lash out and hurt those around him which is what he had always done. He never wanted to get close to anyone, yet he found himself drawn to Hermione in a way he had never experienced with anyone else before.
Squall shook his head, knowing that all he could do for the moment was find her, apologise, and move on. He knew it wasn't sufficient to close the rift he had torn open with his insensitive comment, but he hoped she might accept it in time.
He sped up his pace, finding himself in a large hallway. He looked for another sign that led to the library, spotting it, and turned down the left corridor towards the large double doors. 'Yo! Squall!' a voice he hadn't expected to hear at all called to him.
Squall spun to them, raising his eyebrows as Raijin and Fujin, Seifer's two constant companions, ran towards him. 'What are you doing here?' he asked them, frowning as they came to a halt in front of him, catching their breaths.
Raijin crossed his arms. 'What am I doin'? I'm a messenger, ya know? Brought you a new order from Headmaster Cid, ya know?' he explained, placing his hands on his hips and nodding.
Squall nodded, sighing internally as he eyed the double doors to the library longingly for a moment before looking back at them. 'What kind of order?' he asked them impatiently, crossing his arms. Why are there new orders? We just wanted help with returning to Balamb… he thought irritably, shaking his head.
Raijin shrugged. 'I dunno,' he answered, shaking his head. 'Gave it to the head honcho here. Just did what Headmaster Cid wanted, ya know?' he explained, indicating to where they came from.
'EXPLAIN,' Fujin ordered in her robotic voice which gave Squall the creeps.
Raijin nodded. 'We were suppose'ta go to Timber. But the trains have stopped, so we had no other choice but to come here. Kinda relieved to see you guys here,' he explained, scratching his head.
Fujin peered around for a moment, before turning back to Squall. 'SEIFER?' she asked, tilting her head.
Raijin's eyebrows raised at this. 'Oh yeah! Wasn't Seifer with you?' he asked, elaborating on Fujin's meaning.
Squall sighed, shaking his head. 'I believe Seifer may be dead…' he trailed off, crossing his arms. Fujin and Raijin shook their heads as Squall continued, 'I heard he was tried in Galbadia and then executed...' he told them, looking away to the floor.
'LIES!' Fujin snapped, shaking her head.
Raijin burst out laughing then. 'That's gotta be a lie, ya know!? There's no way he'd put up with a trial, ya know!? Or an execution for that matter! It's just so not Seifer, ya know!?' he replied, grinning and shaking his head.
'FIND!' Fujin ordered, gazing up at Raijin with hard brown eyes.
Raijin turned to her in surprise. 'O'what! We're gonna meet up with Seifer?' he asked her, before turning back to Squall. 'Well, see ya, Squall. We're gonna head off to Galbadia to look for Seifer,' he confirmed, and the two of them ran off towards the exit.
Squall watched them go, shaking his head as he made for the double doors. He grabbed the handle of the door, about to open it when a jingle from the speaker made him pause. 'Attention, SeeD party from Balamb Garden: Please assemble in front of the gate,' the announcement said.
Squall's grip on the handle tensed and he gritted his teeth in frustration. Of course, he thought with an irritable sigh before turning and heading for the barriers. With any luck, Hermione would be there, and he could try and talk to her.
When he finally navigated his way out of the maze of corridors into the main hall, he spotted Quistis on the other side of the barriers. Knowing the reception he would get from her, he took a deep breath, slowly walking over to where she was standing with her arms crossed. She regarded him disapprovingly, her eyes narrowing slightly. 'Okay, it's time to meet. Let's go,' she muttered, turning her back to him.
Squall sighed. 'Quistis?' he called to her, making her pause and glance back at him. 'Where's Hermione?' he asked softly, averting his eyes from her piercing gaze ashamedly.
Sensing this, Quistis sighed and turned back to him. 'She's already gone on ahead and will be at the front gates by now,' she told him, crossing her arms. 'What you said really hurt her though, Squall. I know she's not one of us, but your words were cruel,' she scolded, shaking her head.
Squall nodded, peering up at her. 'I know… I don't expect her to forgive me…' he trailed off, stuffing his hands in his pockets as she looked back at him with a frown. 'I just want to apologise to her,' he whispered, lowering his eyes to the floor.
Quistis nodded, giving him a hard look. 'And so you should,' she agreed, turning on her heel and walking away from him.
Squall looked up, watching her go before taking a deep breath and following. By the time he caught up to them at the front gate, he realised they all seemed agitated and restless. Zell was throwing feign punches, a frown on his brow; Selphie was crouched on the ground, playing with a stone; Quistis was pacing, her arms clasped behind her back; and Hermione was leaning against a wall, staring at the ground.
Squall eyed Hermione for a moment, taking in the red rims of her eyes and felt his stomach twist into a knot. Understanding he was the one who made her cry made him want to punch himself, never mind a mirror. He took a deep breath, walking over to her slowly. She raised her eyes to meet his, watching him guardedly, but made no comment.
When he reached her, he crossed his arms. 'I'm…' he trailed off, reaching up and running a hand through his hair. 'Hermione, I'm really sorry for what I said. I don't even know why I said it…' he trailed off again, closing his eyes and lowering his head.
Hermione swallowed a lump in her throat as she looked away from Squall. His words had cut her in a way that she had never felt before. She was deeply hurt by them though she would never admit to that. At first, she was furious at him and was prepared to Apparate away and never speak to him again. Then after she calmed down the numbness set in, and now she just felt disheartened.
After a moment, Hermione took a deep breath. 'I know this has been tough on all of you,' she whispered, and his eyes shot up to gaze at her. 'I never asked for this or to be hunted,' she said, gazing back up at him, tears burning in her eyes. 'All I want is for this to be over… I want to go home…' she trailed off, reaching up and wiping the tears away before crossing her arms.
Squall nodded, his brow creasing in a frown. 'I know,' he whispered, leaning sideways against the wall next to her. He gazed down at her, fighting back his desire to pull her into his arms and wipe her tears away. He was undoubtedly the last person she needed or wanted that from right now.
Hermione gazed up at Squall, but then her eyes moved to the tissue bound around his hand, seeing the blood seeping through. Without thinking, she took his hand gently and he made no move to stop her as she unwrapped the tissue. She examined the cuts on his knuckles, glimpsing shards of glass embedded in them. 'What happened?' she asked him with a frown, raising her eyes to his for a moment.
Squall actually looked embarrassed. 'I… punched a mirror,' he mumbled, looking away from her to the ground.
Hermione raised her eyebrows at him, a faint smile forming on her lips as she shook her head. She took out her wand, lowering the tip to his hand, dimly aware that he didn't recoil at all like he had in the past. 'Evenesco,' she whispered, causing the glass and dried blood to vanish from his hand. Before the cuts could bleed much more, she whispered, 'Episkey,' and they healed. Another quick tap and the stinging he had felt from the cuts disappeared as if it had never been there.
Squall scrutinised his mended hand, once again astonished at how her magic always made it seem like it never happened recently. 'Thank you,' he whispered, his eyes moving to hers before roaming over her face like he was searching for something.
Hermione blushed, averting her gaze from him. 'You're welcome,' she muttered, staring at the ground but he could see the edges of her mouth were upturned showing the hint of a smile.
Squall relaxed somewhat, feeling relieved that Hermione seemed willing to forgive him and had even fixed his torn-up hand. It was far more than he had been expecting. He had genuinely believed she would tell him to leave her alone and he would have if that was her wish. He honestly thought that that would be it and upon returning to Balamb Garden she would demand for their contract to be terminated. He didn't know why the thought of her doing that troubled him, but it did and he wasn't sure he could deal with knowing someone else would be protecting her and not him. This thought paralysed him, and he couldn't fathom why he even felt that way.
Selphie grumbled loudly from her perch on the ground. 'How much longer?' she complained, standing up and sighing heavily. This snapped Squall back to attention, and he comprehended he had been staring at Hermione the whole time while he had been consumed by his thoughts.
Quistis stopped pacing and shrugged. 'The Master should be coming with the orders soon,' she told her, placing a hand on her hip.
As if her words were a summoning charm, a car appeared on the main path, speeding towards the front gates. 'Do you think that might be him?' Hermione asked, pointing to the car.
Squall nodded. 'Maybe,' he answered, crossing his arms, and frowning at the car.
Hermione hesitated as the SeeD's moved to the middle of the path in a file formation. 'Should I stand with you guys?' she asked, lining up next to Squall.
Squall gazed down at Hermione and shrugged lightly. 'He's probably aware you're a client we're working for, but if it makes you feel more comfortable then feel free to,' he told her, turning his focus back to the car as it came to a halt in front of them. Hermione frowned for a moment, before shifting just behind Squall to indicate she wasn't a SeeD.
A man dressed in blue Military garb exited the car, and the four SeeD's saluted him as he stepped towards them. The man nodded to them, his eyes landing on Hermione for a moment. He raised his eyebrows incredulously but didn't comment as he looked at the rest of them. 'Good day, my name is Martine, and I am the Headmaster of Galbadia Garden,' he greeted, nodding his head to the four SeeD's. 'I have official orders from Headmaster Cid addressed to you,' he explained, gesturing for his assistant to come over to him.
The assistant handed him a dossier. 'Here, sir,' he said respectfully, bowing his head.
Martine nodded to him before opening the dossier. 'Following regulations, I have gone over these orders. After careful consideration of our options, we have decided to fully assist and cooperate with Headmaster Cid,' he told them, closing the folder and eyeing them grimly. 'Actually, we too, have been planning this for quite some time now,' he declared distractedly, crossing his arms. 'However, in order to stress the importance of this mission, I must first brief you on the current situation,' he explained, inspecting them with hard eyes. A frown creased his brow as his eyes fell on Hermione again from where she was still standing behind Squall.
Squall felt Hermione shifting behind him anxiously, and he stared at Martine with a questioning glance. He placed his hand behind his back, giving Hermione's hand a gentle squeeze to let her know he was aware of the glimpses she was getting, and she took a deep breath. He let go of her hand, letting it fall back to his side.
Martine turned his eyes back to the SeeD's. 'At ease,' he ordered, and they relaxed their stance. 'Before I continue…' he trailed off, crossing his arms and giving Squall an intense look. 'May I ask why there is a young lady standing behind you?' he demanded impatiently, tilting his head.
Squall nodded, standing to attention, and saluting him. 'Yes, sir,' he replied, bowing his head courteously. 'She is not a member of SeeD, and so did not think she would be obliged to address you in the same manner as ourselves,' he explained, looking back up at Martine. 'She is a client of ours who we are working for under orders from Headmaster Cid,' he told him, bowing his head once more before easing his stance.
Martine frowned. 'I see,' he replied, nodding his head. 'Very well, I do not believe she should be privy to this knowledge,' he contended, giving Hermione a significant look.
Squall turned towards her, giving her a nod. Hermione frowned but walked away from them somewhat so she couldn't hear what they were saying. She leaned against the wall with a sigh. She could understand; she wasn't a member of SeeD and the mission they were getting sounded critical with it being a joint operation with both Galbadia and Balamb Gardens. She was curious, and felt a little left out, but she knew it wasn't her place to ask.
Martine glanced over at Hermione, satisfied at her distance from them before looking back at the SeeD's. 'My apologies, but what I am about to tell you is confidential information exclusive only to you,' he explained, and they all bowed their heads in acknowledgment.
Martine glanced down at the dossier in his hands for a moment before he started pacing slowly in front of them. 'You all know about the Sorceress being appointed as the peace ambassador for the Galbadian Government?' he asked hypothetically and continued having not anticipated a reply. 'However, this ambassador title is just a cover-up. There will be no peace talks, only threats. The Sorceress creates fear among people. Therefore, peace talks are impossible,' he explained, shaking his head.
There was a pause as Martine stopped pacing and sighed resignedly. 'Galbadia is planning to use this fear to negotiate favourable conditions for itself. It is clear that Galbadia's ultimate goal is world domination,' he revealed, turning to look at them. 'Garden is no exception either,' he divulged, crossing his arms and frowning. 'It is a fact that the Sorceress is planning to use this Garden as her base,' he informed them as their eyes widened in surprise at this information. 'We have very few options available to us,' he said, moving forward and holding out the orders to Squall. 'We entrust world peace, and the future to you,' he concluded, receiving salutes from them all.
Squall took the dossier from Martine, bowing his head. 'Details of the mission are enclosed in these official orders,' he explained, backing away to stand where he had been when he started addressing them. He watched as Squall scanned the documents. 'Any questions?' he asked as Squall peered up at him from the dossier with a frown.
Squall pointed to an excerpt in mild concern. 'The orders say by means of a "sniper". We have no one with that skill in our group,' he advised, glancing back up at Martine.
Martine nodded. 'Don't worry about it,' he said, waving off Squall's unease as the SeeD Leader frowned at him. He took a few steps towards the verge of the path. 'Let me introduce an elite sharpshooter from Galbadia Garden,' he told them, eyeing a lush, verdant area next to where they were standing. 'Kinneas! Irvine Kinneas!' he yelled sternly, shaking his head.
The four SeeD's glanced over to see a young man lounging in the grass with a butterfly resting on his outstretched finger. None of them had discerned he was there, but he had been lying in the grass the whole time they were getting briefed and comprehended he would have been able to hear the entire thing. He moved his hand as if he was firing a pistol, making the butterfly flutter away rapidly.
Irvine sighed, picking up a rifle that was resting in the grass next to him and getting to his feet. His long brown hair was tied in a ponytail, and he adjusted his black cowboy hat before turning to look at the four uninspired SeeD's with a grin. He was attired in a purple vest, a long khaki-coloured trench coat, brown chaps over black trousers and boots, and black fingerless gloves. His grin changed into a smug smirk as he supported his rifle against his shoulder and stuffed his free hand into his pocket. He walked over to them and began pacing in front of them as he scrutinised them with narrowed blue eyes.
Martine rolled his eyes, shaking his head at Irvine's blatant disregard for protocol. 'This is Irvine Kinneas. He will be your sharpshooter,' he introduced, crossing his arms. He looked back at the SeeD's. 'Leave whenever you're ready,' he told them, moving back to the car. His assistant opened the door for him. 'Failure is not an option,' he said to them gravely as he got into the car.
As the car sped away, Irvine pointed towards it, pretending his hand was a gun. He took aim, firing at Martine. 'BANG!' he yelled, his grin widening as he turned back to the group just as Hermione came to stand next to Squall. 'Looks like I'm with you rubes from Balamb,' he laughed, shaking his head. 'Greetings,' he added, his eyes glinting as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.
Zell's eyes flashed and he clenched his jaw, punching his fist into his palm, cracking the knuckles on his hand. A sure sign he was enraged at what Irvine said even though he'd only just joined their party.
Squall pinched the bridge of his nose. Zell he's been here for like two minutes… why do you always have to overreact to everything? That must be a new record, he mused in his mind, shaking his head at the martial artist.
Irvine raised his eyebrows at Zell before glancing over at Squall. 'You cool with me helping you?' he asked, shrugging lightly as if it didn't bother him either way. It wasn't like they had a choice in the matter.
Squall crossed his arms. 'That depends on your attitude,' he replied indifferently, casting a glance at Zell who still looked keen on the idea of pummelling Irvine.
Irvine chuckled. 'I say things that get a rise out of some people. Just don't let it bother you and we'll get along fine,' he explained, grinning at Zell who growled under his breath.
Squall rolled his eyes, reaching up to brush the hair away from his face. Note to self: never put him together with Zell if it can be avoided. That's not a mess I want to clean up… he thought to himself, shaking his head. He peered back at Irvine. 'I'll remember that,' he said, nodding to him.
Selphie turned to Squall. 'So, what's our next mission?' she asked, tilting her head.
Hermione glanced at each of them uneasily for a moment. 'Um… should I hear this?' she asked, crossing her arms.
Squall shrugged. 'You're bound to find out anyway, and I don't intend on telling you to go whenever we need to talk about it,' he told her, gazing down at her. 'Besides, this might benefit you,' he added as she gazed back at him interestedly.
Squall fell silent as he examined the file for a moment. He sighed, his eyes skimming over the words before he looked back up at them. 'Our next mission…' he trailed off as he contemplated what they had been instructed to do. He couldn't even be sure it was an authentic order from Headmaster Cid, but he couldn't get back to Balamb Garden to verify it. 'This is no ordinary mission. It's a direct order from both Balamb and Galbadia Garden. We're to…' he paused, closing his eyes before continuing, '…assassinate the Sorceress,' he finished, shaking his head as everyone except Irvine gaped at him in shock.
Hermione frowned. 'Seriously?' she asked, moving closer to him so she could look at the order. Without saying anything, Squall offered her the dossier, watching the array of emotions crossing her face as she read it. Her eyes widened with every word, her face turning pale.
Squall looked back at the others. 'We're to shoot her from afar. Kinneas will be our sharpshooter,' he told them, nodding to Irvine. 'We're support Kinneas to our fullest. Should the sniper fail, we are to attack head on,' he explained, crossing his arms.
Irvine scoffed. 'Thanks for the support, but I never miss my target,' he said with a smug confidence which made Squall want to join Zell in pummelling him. Instead, he just raised his eyebrows, unimpressed.
Squall turned back to address them all, his eyes focusing on Hermione a little longer as he took in her expression. He couldn't read her at all, her face was impassive and blank, giving nothing away. 'Eliminate the Sorceress. That's our order,' he confirmed, looking away from Hermione to the rest of the group. 'We're going to head to the capital of Galbadia, Deling City. There, we'll meet up with General Caraway to go over the details for the plan,' he concluded, receiving nods from everyone.
As everyone headed towards the exit, Squall gently took a hold of Hermione's arm. 'You okay?' he asked, gazing down at her. She didn't reply but gave him a nod before running to catch up with Selphie.
Squall sighed, moving to follow, observing that Irvine had manoeuvred himself between Selphie and Hermione, giving them most of his attention. He watched Hermione giggle at something Irvine said, clenching his fists as something stirred in his stomach… like a ball waiting to explode. He tried to shake off the unpleasant feeling he got at the obvious flirting between them and followed at a more sedate pace. He didn't try to prevent his mind from drifting, imagining knocking out the sharpshooter…