Stirrings Fujin awoke with somewhat of a start. Looking around, she groaned softly and ran a hand through her tangled hair. Smiling softly, she moved over slightly, searching the mound of blankets and sheets beside her. After a brief bit of searching she was startled to find a pair of feet where Quistis’ head should have been. Giggling slightly, she traced a fingertip along the bottoms of said feet hoping to tickle their owner awake. It started with a murmur, then a snorting giggle, muffled, distant. Within in moments the mound of blankets began to stir and thrash about. Fujin, saw an opportunity and firmly wrapped an arm around Quistis’ legs, and tickled her furiously. Quistis, now fully awake, was caught up in the throes of unrelenting laughter. "Lemmi go! Lemmi go! Lemmi Go!" She babbled, trying to free herself from the blankets and Fujin’s grip. "STINKY FEET." Fujin grumbled, refusing to relinquish her tactical advantage. "Stop it!" Quistis gasped between breaths, still trying desperately to squirm free. "Please! I have to pee!" She managed, pleadingly. Fujin, looked down at her skeptically a moment then huffed before letting her go. "Brat!" Quistis scowled playfully, sliding out of bed and scampering to the bathroom. Fujin sat up and yawned hugely, glancing at the nearby clock she sighed, they’d have to hurry if they wanted to make it to breakfast. "OUCH!" Quistis yelped from the bathroom. Fujin hurried to the door and knocked lightly. "I’m okay, the water is scorching hot, for some reason." Quistis whimpered slightly as she came out holding her hand. "Be careful when you take a shower." "NEED CALL MAINTENANCE." "I will, later though." "LATE FOR BREAKFAST." "I noticed. You do know we’ll be the talk of the town now don’t you?" "NOT CONCERNED." Fujin shrugged. "Sure, you say that now." Quistis grinned doubtfully. "REGRETS?" Fujin frowned. "Oh!? No hon, none at all!" Quistis smiled, kissing her reassuringly. "Lets get ready shall we." She added with a saucy grin, as she pulled her into the bathroom with her. "Can you believe it." Rinoa mumbled under her breath. "No really, but hey, that’s life." Kevin shrugged. "If you say so." Rinoa shrugged. "Where’s Squall?" Watts asked curiously. Rinoa frowned slightly and tossed the biscuit she’d been nibbling on back on her plate. "Asleep, he claims he doesn’t feel good. I think he’s just trying to avoid the stink." "Oh be nice." Kevin frowned. "I am, I told you, I’m not going to worry about it." "Uh huh." Kevin grinned. "I don’t want to hear it, I’m doubly mad at you mister." She pointed accusingly. "Oh dear." Watts mumbled. "I know where this is going." Zone chuckled under his breath. "What did I do?" Kevin balked. "Celest, for starters. You ran out on her." Rinoa said, glaring slightly. "Ran out!? It’s not like we were dating, I just turned in for the night." "You didn’t even say goodbye to anyone, you just up and vanished." "Well things were a bit hectic, I didn’t interrupt." "That’s bull Sir." Watts noted shyly. "Hey! Who’s side are you on." Kevin frowned at him. "Sorry sir." "Hey Watts is right. That was kinda rude, I wouldn’t have skipped out like that." Zones said quietly. "I don’t think I did anything wrong here, why am I getting the 3rd degree." Kevin said, getting defensive. "It was mean, just plain mean, she likes you." "Likes who?" Selphie yawned, setting her plate down by Rinoa and jostling her slightly. "Excuse me trap." She giggled. "Harlot." Rinoa chuckled, shoving her back. "Who are we talking about?" Selphie beamed inquisitively. "Kevin, skipping out on Celest last night." "Of all the things we could be dishing on and you pick that!?" Selphie mumbled in amazement. "You’re just trying to rile me up." Rinoa huffed indignantly. "Who me, never." Selphie said innocently. "Look, I’m not interested in her." Kevin sighed. "I’d never turn her down." Zone noted to no one in particular. "You’re just desperate." Kevin commented rudely, and immediately regretted it. "Gee thanks." Zone grumbled the got up to leave. "Hey Zone wait!" Watts called, rushing after him. "Zone, come on, I’m sorry." Kevin called, but it was too little, too late. "Smooth ace." Selphie frowned disapprovingly. "Really, that was horrible." Rinoa sighed. "I said I was sorry, but look at from my point of view, I’ve had a lot to deal with lately." "You’ve had a lot to deal with?" Selphie laughed in disbelief. "Okay, poor choose of words." Kevin relented. "I’m sure that Celest is a great girl and all but..." "But what?" Rinoa frowned. "Yeah but what?" Selphie added. Kevin felt trapped and shrugged helplessly before sighing. "She’s just to much... to forward... to loud, I mean the way she dresses, the way she acts. I don’t need a woman who traipses around like that. She’s to wild, to flashy, I’m looking for a nice decent girl not a..." Kevin sighed then paused, seeing the darkening scowls on the two girls faces. "Go on..." A voice said quietly behind him. He turned around and winced. "Not a what?" Celest asked, her hands trembling as she held her plate. "Um..." Kevin babbled lamely. "Celest...I mean...um...hi...?" Without saying a word, Celest set her plate down and hurried away. "Celest." Kevin started, rising to go after her. "I think you did enough." Rinoa frowned, shoving him back in his seat before chasing after Celest. "Asshole." Selphie grunted as she too gave chase. "Damn it to hell." Kevin groaned, burying his head in his hands. "What the heck was that about?" Quistis asked as she and Fujin approached with plates in hand. "Nothing, I just ate both feet." He sighed. "CHARMER." Fujin said dryly. "Don’t start...I’ve had my head bitten off enough this morning." "I take it this is about Celest, I saw her running off." Quistis said quietly. "Celest, Celest, Celest, I don’t even know the woman. Why is everyone going ballistic at me." "We’re kind of a big family around here, they get very defense sometimes." "UNDERSTATEMENT." Fujin sighed, the memory of her volatile encounters with Selphie and Rinoa still vivid in her mind. "What in the world did you say to her?" Quistis asked curiously. "Nothing...well...I was just explaining to Rinoa and Selphie why I wasn’t interested and Celest overheard me.... She took it the wrong way." "FINALLY." Fujin mumbled. "What?" Quistis asked curiously. "NOT ONE IN TROUBLE." "Cute...can we be serious here." Quistis sighed. Fujin rolled her eye and shrugged, then started to eat. "Man, I think I really hurt her feelings." He groaned. "I would say so." "CELEST NOT INTERESTED NOW." Fujin noted with bland optimism. "Hon...you’re not helping." Quistis sighed, grinning slightly. "FINE." Fujin shrugged again, going back to her food. "Enough about this, how’s things going with you two?" He asked, hoping to change the subject. "Great." Quistis beamed. "No one said anything yet?" "Nope, but its early, although people are staring." "It’s to be expected." "It’s okay, Fujin’s an extrovert, she likes the attention." Quistis joked, thumbing at her. "LOOK AT ME." Fujin cheered in quiet sarcasm. Kevin chuckled and shook his head. "I want to go back to bed." Nicole whined, announcing her presence as she sat down. "Hey gal, how are you feeling?" Quistis asked with a smile. "I’m okay, still reeling from last night though. Wow, what a night." Nicole grinned then looked at unattended plates of food. "Um what’s all this?" "Long story, they belong to Rinoa, Selphie and Celest." Quistis explained, glancing at Kevin. "Oh I can imagine...what did you say?" Nicole asked him bluntly. "I don’t want to go into it." Kevin sighed. "Alright then." Nicole shrugged. "Where’s the guys at, I’ve not seen them all morning?" Quistis asked, looking around. "Zell and Irvine are off working somewhere in the core." "Oh fun..." Quistis grinned. "At least I don’t have to go down there....ick!" Nicole giggled. "I think I’m going to go now..." Kevin waved, rising from his seat. "Okay, see you later." Quistis smiled. "And don’t fret to much about Celest, she’s a trooper." "I’ll try, thanks." He said quietly before dumping his tray and leaving. Nicole watched him leave then turned towards Quistis with a grin. "You two are positively glowing." She giggled. Fujin nearly choked and Quistis blushed slightly. Nicole blinked uncomprehendingly then blushed brightly with embarrassment. "Wait! I didn’t mean like that! I meant.... Happy...I.... Never mind." She ranted then hid her head in her hands. "Zell." Irvine called as they waded through darkness, deep in Balamb’s depths. "What." Zell sighed; trying his best to keep up with the taller mans strides in the waist deep water. "What do you think?" Irvine asked thoughtfully. "About what?" "You know." "Oh...that..." "Yeah." "Um well." Zell sniffed, trying to filter out the smell of what they were wading in. "I look up to Miss Trepe, to me, she can’t do any wrong." "That’s a cope out answer." Irvine laughed. "Yeah, well, Its true, and to be honest." He pauses and inspected a suspicious looking pipe cautiously. Seeing nothing of interest, he continued. "To be honest, I doesn’t effect me either way. There are other things to worry about. Nicole is a little goofy about it, but I guess that’s understandable. I mean if you and Squall hooked up I think I’d be a little weirder out at first." "Me and Squall!?" Irvine laughed. "Why’d you have to him in the example." "What’s wrong with Squall, besides it’s just hypothetical." Zell chuckled, not seeing the oily black tendril slithering out of the pipe he’d just inspected. "Yeah, okay I got ya, finish your thought." "Thanks, now then, as I was saying. Miss Trepe’s happy, Fujin’s happy. Well it’s hard to tell with her honestly, but I think she is. So I say, what the hell." Zell shrugged then sniffed. "Dude..." He scowled. "What?" Irvine paused, turning to look at him curiously. "Dude, that’s just wrong, I’m down wind here." "What?" "You farted." "The hell I did. You forget where we’re at or what." "Aw no, this worse than anything down here so far." "Oh, so it has to be me?" "Nothing else down here." "Look I’m telling you it wasn’t.... Wait...I smell it...GODS!?" Irvine gagged. "Hyne!?" Zell coughed, holding his hands over his mouth. "What the hell is that!?" "It’s can’t be good. Turn around, let’s get the hell out of here before we choke to death!" Irvine shouted, coughing harshly. The two sloshed madly up the darkened tunnel towards the dim light of the exit, the smell was becoming so overwhelming their eyes burned. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity the duo burst from the tunnel and crawled madly up a service ladder to an upper level. Collapsing into a fit of coughing and nausea, the two looked in disgust at each other. A group of junior rank SEED’s rushed to their aid. "You okay?" One of the youths asked, helping Zell to his feet. "Yeah man, thanks." Zell hacked. "Quarantine that tunnel. There some kind of gaseous buildup, no one is to go in there until we get it vented!" Irvine ordered. "When maintenance arrives tell them that they are not to go down there without guards." "Yes sir." The other youth nodded briskly then started passing the order to the other SEED’s "What do you think?" Zell breathed, trying to catch his breath. "Hell I have no idea, smelled like a dead animal, a big one. But down here, who knows. I figure it’s better safe than sorry considering how little we know about the core." "True...hopefully its nothing major." Zell frowned. A pipe, not much when taken into context, only about a foot in diameter, and travelling deep into the buildings superstructure. This far down, in the humid darkness of Balamb’s core there was nothing to distinguish it from the countless others, a perfect place to hide. The sound was something akin to a toilet backing up, deep, thick and crammed with foulness. Slowly at first, it started to emerge, like a perversion of birth. Large fleshy mass, translucent pink and quivering as if full of jelly and worms. Wires of countless types crisscrossed the mass, as if serving as veins. Odd bits of electrical devices floated within the growing mass of flesh, transistors, capacitors, bulbs and electrodes, all connected, and all serving some unknown purpose. With an obscene noise the mass popped free of the pipe, freeing a veritable stream of viscera like gore. The deluge of flesh and sludge splattered onto the floor in a growing heap, steam roiling off it as it pooled together to form a large nightmare of pulsing red and pink. Thick cables followed the vile stream and coiled through the mass like hot spears, a low, tortured moan issued from somewhere deep within the horrid thing as it slowly began to swell. It was thankful to be free of the pipes, it had been forced to hide after its accident. It had been traveling along one of the main cooling pipes when it collapsed from its mass. Unexpected and unfortunate as it was to be robbed of the precious heat it needed to survive it did take advantage of the near disaster. With the power shut down for repairs it had the opportunity to add to its considerable mass considerably by gorging on the creatures in the training hall and freeing the rest to cover it activities. "Time...." It gurgled wetly as tendrils of flesh and wire slithered out from its body. Searching, entwining, and invading, the tendrils slowly snaked their way into everything they touched. The very ground pulsed as if alive and the entire mass quivered with delight. Within moments it had spread to cover and area larger than most homes and showed no signs of stopping. But Balamb was massive and it had to go slow to keep control. It wasn’t concerned, for if it had anything, it had time. Squall stood staring in the mirror, the man looking back at him was a stranger. He’d never really thought about where he was or even who, until last night. Last nights events showed him something about himself. He was not himself, he was merely what everyone needed him to be. Flowing from day to day, falling into whatever role life required, all the while not once being his own person, never walking his own path. While he had changed outwardly, he was still the same, featureless soul that he’d always been. Sure, he had Rinoa in his life but he was forced to ask. "Do I love her, or did I just become what was expected of me...Like always." He thought with a frown but no answer was forthcoming. With a sigh he looked at himself in the mirror. "Who are you?" He mumbled quietly. Again, there was no answer. The last thing Irvine was expecting to see upon arriving at home was his sister sitting in the middle of his living room floor, spoon in hand and digging angrily into a large tub of rocky road ice cream. Her makeup was streaked as if she’d been crying and the scowl on her usually vibrant face made him worry. "Aw hell what happened now." He sighed, tossing his coat over a nearby chair. "You smell." She sniffed before shoving a spoonful of ice cream in her mouth. "What the hell are you doing." He groaned, snatching the spoon out of her mouth and reaching for the tub. "Mine!" She grumbled, pulling it back to her gruffly. "Okay, this is just silly, why don’t tell me what has you in such a tiff, where’s Selphie?" He grunted, yanking the ice cream away and setting it on the coffee table. "I ran her and Rinoa off, they wouldn’t leave me alone." Celest sniffled. Irvine looked around as if confused about where he was. "Um this is our house, not yours." He said guardedly. "Sorry." She sniffed again. "This is about the Kevin guy isn’t it?" He frowned, taking of his hat and running a troubled hand through his hair. "He’s an asshole." She pouted. "What happened, do I need to kill him." Irvine said darkly. "Yes." She huffed. "Alright." Irvine nodded quietly and picked his rifle up. "Cute." Celest sniffled, grinning slightly. "I’m not joking, I’ll do it. What did he do?" Irvine frowned. "He said I was a whore." She grumbled quietly. "What!?" Irvine all but shouted in shock. "He said that?" "Well not in so many words..." She admitted. "Oh... I was about to say." He frowned, sitting down on the floor in front of her. "I don’t care anymore, who needs him." She huffed, folding her arms. "You’re right, there’s plenty of good guys out there. Hell look at me." "To bad you’re my brother." She grinned. "Hush now, that’s not something you need to be thinking." He winced. "Joking, I’m joking." She sighed, resting her chin in her palm. "I’m sick of men. Perhaps Quistis is right." "What?" Irvine blinked. "I should see if I can find a good woman." She said thoughtfully. "Hey, hey, hey!" Irvine stammered awkwardly. "Don’t even start." "I’m just babbling, ignore me." She grinned. "Okay...but that’s not funny." "I thought you said it was cool." She crooned. "Yeah when someone other than my sister is doing it. Two gals, that’s the stuff of fantasy, and you don’t need to be in them." "You’re such a guy..." She groaned. "Yeah...yeah I am." He grinned wolfishly in thought. "Ugh, I thought you were supposed to make me feel better." She chuckled, pushing him over as he daydreamed. Falling on his back he sat up and grinned. "Well, you’re smiling at least so I’d say I did my job." He reasoned. "Yeah, whatever." She huffed, and helped him to his feet. "NEGATIVE." Fujin proclaimed. "Oh don’t be a stick in the mud, come swimming with us." "BUSY." Fujin groused. "Liar, I make you’re work schedule, you’re clear till tomorrow. "DAMN." "I can’t believe you tried to lie to me." Quistis pouted. Fujin made a face and sighed. "FINE." "Great, and this time you’re getting in." "FINE." "That was easy." Quistis giggled cheerfully. "We’ll head over as soon as we see Kevin and the guys off." "FINALLY." Fujin grumbled. "Be nice, he’s a sweet guy." "WORRISOME." "No he is not. Well...okay...so he’s changed a little. But that’s okay, I mean I changed, and Hyne knows you’ve changed." "NEGATIVE." Fujin said, scoffing at the notion. "Oh please." Quistis laughed. "SAME FUJIN." "Sure you are." "AFFIRMATIVE." Fujin agreed. "You’re impossible sometimes." "AFFIRMATIVE." "Stop that." Quistis giggled. "You sound like a machine." "NEGATIVE." "Quit it you brat." "WHAT?" Fujin asked, eyeing her suspiciously. "The affirmative and negative stuff. Yes and no will suffice, I swear I think you do that to be weird sometimes." Quistis grinned. "NEGATIVE." Fujin said blandly, without skipping a beat. "OH!" Quistis laughed, shoving her playfully. Fujin grinned, but stayed somewhat stoically then paused and started. "What is it?" Quistis giggled, following her gaze. A trio of Treppies stood in the hall staring awkwardly and looking as if they’d been caught at mischief. "Girls." Quistis nodded, greeting them. The three girls looked at each other then back at Quistis. "Something wrong?" Quistis frowned slightly. "No..." One of the girls said quietly. "Lets go." Another girl spoke, grabbing the first by the arm. "Yeah." The last one added as the three hurried away. Quistis’ face fell and she sighed heavily. "Ouch..." She murmured. "SORRY." Fujin said quietly pressing against her warmly as she kissed her cheek. "It’s okay love, I knew there would be some slack." "STILL." Fujin sighed, entwining her hand with hers. "Thanks hon, lets hurry up before we miss Kevin. "KAY." Fujin nodded quietly. Kevin, Zone and Watts stood in the hanger staring up at the Ragnarok. Rinoa was there, as were Selphie and Nicole, and none of the women paid Kevin any attention, focusing their good-byes on Zone and Watts. Kevin rolled his eyes and sighed, he knew they were mad at him for his earlier remarks. Better for all that was leaving now since he was making a bigger fool of himself by the hour. "You two behave, and don’t be afraid to come visit more often. It’s been to long!" Rinoa beamed, hugging Zone tightly. "Well guys, I must say...it’s been an interesting visit." Nicole grinned. "Sorry about your apartment." Zone mumbled shyly. "No worries, it wasn’t your fault." Nicole giggled, giving Selphie the evil eye. Selphie glanced back at her indignant shock. "Don’t blame me, blame that monster you call a pet!" She squeaked, before turning her attention back to Zone and Watts. "Before I forget guys. Irvine and Zell told me to tell you bye, they would’ve been here to see you off but Squall has em pulling sewer duty." She explained. "Where is Squall anyway." Nicole asked, glancing at Rinoa. "He’s sleeping in today apparently, he’s not feeling well. But he said to take care guys." Rinoa said, somewhat embarrassed. "Hi guys." Quistis called as she and Fujin approached. "Quisty." Kevin smiled, thankful for a friendly face. "There they are." Selphie grinned, what kept you guys. "Had to stop by Fujin’s, we’re here though. So guys, I bet you’re glad to be out of this mad house." Quistis grinned. "Yeah, I think I did enough damage." Kevin sighed. "Me too." Selphie grumbled sourly. "Selphie..." Rinoa whispered, elbowing her. "So who’s flying you out?" Quistis asked him. "I am." Selphie smirked wickedly. "I’m going too!" Rinoa giggled. "They’re going to toss me out over the mountains." Kevin smirked dryly. "Probably." Quistis nodded. "GOOD IDEA." Fujin mumbled, causing Quistis to elbow her sharply. "How’s Celest?" Kevin asked, ignoring Fujin’s comment. "I don’t know." Quistis said as Selphie interjected herself into the conversation. "She’s upset you big ape, she really liked you, and you go say those awful things about her!" "Liked me!? She doesn’t even know me!?" Kevin proclaimed. "You never gave her the chance!" Selphie snapped. "Yeah!" Rinoa barked. "Girls, please, lets be adults okay." Nicole tried feebly. "Oh Hyne, lets not get choked up on good-byes." Quistis snapped in annoyance, causing everyone to grow silent. "Sorry Quisty." Selphie winced. "Lets just go." Quistis sighed. "You’re going too?" Kevin smirked curiously. "Yes, I don’t want them ganging up on you during the flight." Quistis said sourly, glancing at the innocent looking Selphie and Rinoa. "You coming too Nicole?" Selphie asked as everyone prepared to climb aboard. "I’d rather not, I’m still kinda wary of that thing. It looks like it could fall apart at any moment." Nicole mumbled, nodding towards the Ragnarok. "Ohhhh!" Selphie said in a scandalous tone. "Better not let Zell hear you say that." She giggled. "Why, you’d break his little heart." Rinoa grinned. "Okay, you clowns lets get going." Quistis prodded. "Nikki we’ll meet you at the pool when we get back okay?" "Yeah sure." She grinned. "See you guys, it’s been fun." She added, waving farewell. "Fu?" Quistis asked, glancing at her. "STAYING." Fujin answered, not wishing to get entangled in whatever arguments were bound to happen during the journey to Timber. Selphie ginned hugely at her. "Aw you big chicken." She said laughingly before skipping up the gangplank. "Well okay then." Quistis grinned at the glowering Fujin. "Nicole, keep her out of trouble while we’re gone." "Sure thing!" Nicole laughed, throwing her arm around Fujin’s shoulders. Fujin gave her a look of such contempt that Nicole couldn’t help but laugh in her face. "It’s hot in here." Nida muttered sourly. "What?" Xu asked, looking up from a disemboweled control terminal. "The heat, did you turn it up?" He explained. "Nope, there’s probably a glitch in the system, things have been screwy ever since the shut down. "Well I’m dying over here." He groaned, loosening the collar on his uniform. "Its sweltering in here." One of the other bridge crew grumbled as she walked past with a stack of papers. "See!" Nida pointed. "What do you want me to do, I’m not in charge of maintenance?" She sighed, shoving her hand deep into the inner shell of the terminal she was working on. After a moment of feeling around she made a disgusted face and screamed. "What the heck?" Nida yelped, jumping in surprise. "EW EW EW EW EW!" XU babbled, yanking free of the terminal. Her hand was covered in a pasty red sludge, that was full of bits of fur and what looked like yellowish chunks of marshmallows. "GROSS!" The bridge hand yelped covering her mouth and nose with her hands. "Get it off, get it off!" Xu proclaimed in a near panic, waving her arm and running in place franticly. "What the hell is that!" Nida winced, approaching cautiously. "Are you okay?" "Yes, oh Hyne it stinks!" Xu wined, slinging her hand wildly. Nida jumped back as chunks of the mess flew in his direction. The smell spread and soon bridge hand turned a foul shade of green before retching noisily in a corner. "Aw damn it." Nida frowned in disgust. Xu, long past reason, ran to the elevator and left him standing on the bridge amid the growing stench. "You swim like a fish." Nicole grinned, sipping a monstrously sized glass of fruit punch. Fujin hauled herself out of the water and shook the water from her hair. Nicole sighed in annoyance as Fujin strode over to her. Solid and well toned, she was in wonderful shape, the product of a strict diet and exercise. While in good shape herself, Nicole couldn’t help but be slightly envious, but she knew she just wasn’t cut out for weightlifting and cross-country training. "I hate you." She huffed jokingly as Fujin sat down beside her. "WHAT?" Fujin frowned. "Nothing." Nicole grinned. "Just hating myself for not getting more exercise. I dunno perhaps I’ll start training with Zell in the mornings." "WHY?" "I dunno, all of you are like, in prefect shape and I’m just like, hey, hi there, here I am, normal ole Nicole." She sighed, throwing her hands into the air. Lying back in her lawn chair Fujin rolled her eye. "FOOLISH." She grunted simply. "Easy for you to say, you’re ass doesn’t shake when you walk." Fujin choked, caught utterly off guard by the comment. "WHAT?" She wheezed, taking a sip of her drink. "Oh never mind." Nicole sighed, shaking her head. "VERY WELL." Fujin shrugged. "I think I need to change my image." Nicole continued. Fujin sighed, and looked at her out of the corner of her eye. "What do you think, perhaps a hair cut. I could dye it, go blonde perhaps?" "HIDEOUS." Fujin grunted. "Gee thanks." Nicole frowned. "NOT YOU." Fujin sighed, sitting back up and pointing towards the entrance of the pool house. Celest was walking towards them in what appeared to be a yellow and green muumuu; the billowing garment hung from her figure in such an unflattering way as to make her look well overweight. To top the ridiculous outfit off she wore a gaudy looking wide brimmed sun hat that and sunglasses. "Oh my..." Nicole murmured, her eyes widening. "HA." Fujin huffed, before lying back down. "Hi..." Celest grumbled. "Um..." Nicole stammered. "Celest hon..." She giggled. "You um...okay?" "Yeah." The redhead sighed, taking a seat in an unoccupied chair. "EXPLAIN SUIT." Fujin said bluntly, knowing Nicole would take forever to ask. "I figured its time I started dressing down." Celest shrugged. "Aw geeze." Nicole sighed. "I think you may be overdoing it a bit..." She said gently. Celest frowned and folded her arms in aggravation. "What’s that supposed to mean?" "OLD LADY CLOTHES." Fujin commented, not even raising up to face them. "You stay out of this." Nicole scowled. Fujin shrugged, and slipped on a pair of shades. The skylight was open and the sun was furiously bright, to the point of being painful to her delicate vision. "Celest...that suit, if that’s what you call it, is not flattering in the least." "That’s the point." Celest frowned. "This is just ridiculous and you know it." Nicole growled, wagging a finger at her. "Where’d you even find that hideous thing." "I can’t believe you actually walked down her in that thing." Irvine laughed, as he ran by and leapt into the air. "Gangway!" Zell added as he followed. "WHAT?" Fujin blurted, sitting up just as the two men hit the water with titanic splash. The ensuing mountain of water drenched the three women. "Asshole!" Celest sputtered from under her soggy hat. "Boys." Nicole sighed, grabbing a towel to dry off." "Celest, what’s with the tent?" Zell shouted laughingly. Celest simply gave him the finger as Irvine shoved him underwater. "They seem to be in a good mood." Nicole grinned. "Where’s the others?" Celest asked, ditching the hat sourly. "They’re taking Kevin and the others home." "Good riddance." Celest mumbled. "Hey I thought you liked the guy?" Zell asked, swimming over to the edge. "Don’t ask." Irvine warned him quietly. "You thought wrong!" Celest snapped irritably. Fujin meanwhile quietly got up and moved to search for place more in the shade. "Where ya going?" Zell called to her. "Didn’t mean to chase you off." "SUN." Fujin answered simply, finding a nice spot to lounge. "There you guys are!" Xu shouted, storming over to the gathering. Irvine and Zell ducked into the water, having no desire to get yanked back to work. "Oh she’s on the warpath." Nicole mumbled quietly. "Where’s Squall or Quistis? Neither of them have answered my calls we’ve got a situation." "What?" Celest asked worriedly. "Something has been mucking around..." Xu started then stared at her blankly. "What the hell are you wearing." "It’s a muumuu." Zell chirped, from the edge of the pool. "Rinoa said that Squall’s not feeling well and Quistis went with Selphie to take Kevin and the gang back to Timber." Nicole explained. "Great, well then, you three can help out then." Xu smiled. "But I’m off today." Celest pouted. "Hey we just got off duty." Zell protested. "Tough" Xu scowled. "Since Quistis isn’t here I’m in charge." "Tyrant." Irvine grumbled. Fujin was thankful to be hidden out of site, she had a feeling that whatever Xu was upset about wouldn’t be pleasant. The trip back from Timber was a quiet one. Selphie was intent on flying and Rinoa had not said one word to Quistis during the entire flight. Finally, unable to take anymore Quistis leaned over to her and frowned slightly. "Something the matter." She asked bluntly. "Nope." Rinoa shrugged. "You’re never this quiet." Quistis continued. "I am to." Rinoa countered. "Don’t give me that. You forget, I know people." "It’s nothing." "You’re still upset about Fujin and me aren’t you?" "Not really..." "Yes you are..." Quistis sighed sadly. "Well a little. You have to admit Quisty, this is big, ya know. I mean, its like we never knew the real you." "Rinoa, nothing has changed, I’m still the same Quistis you knew before." "You weren’t dating a woman then." Rinoa replied with an edgy bluntness. "Hey no fair gossiping without me!" Selphie shouted over her shoulder. "No ones gossiping!" Quistis shot back sourly before looking back at Rinoa. "Look, this is only as difficult as you make it." "Easy for you to say." Rinoa frowned. "What do you want me to do, stopping seeing her? Because if that’s what you expect, then I have some frightening news for you." Quistis glared. "No, it’s not like that." Rinoa cried in frustration. "Then tell me?" "I don’t know." Rinoa sighed, sitting back in her seat heavily. "Things are different now, I’m not used to stuff like this." "It’s called life hon, you’re going to have to learn to deal with the unexpected, because if you don’t, it’ll will roll right over you." "I just don’t understand..." Rinoa said quietly. "Then don’t try hon, just be happy for me." Quistis smiled, taking her hand in hers. "Dude this sucks!" Zell whined. "You think." Celest scowled, holding up a slime covered computer board. "Xu, what the hell is this crap." Irvine scowled in disgust. "I don’t know." Xu growled, as she sat on the floor with a bottle of cleaning solution and a bucket. "Why are we doing this, why can’t we get maintenance or some students to do this." Celest complained. "Because, the students wouldn’t know how to handle some of this equipment. As for maintenance, they’re down with the other SEED’s cleaning up that stink you found this morning. "Wonderful." Zell groaned. "Yup, here’s some more." Nida announced, pulling another computer panel free. Like all the others it was covered in a thick foul smelling sludge. "What the hell is this crap?" Zell barked, getting fed up. "Doc says its some kind by-product, the hair came from rodents that got caught up in it." "GROSS!" Celest screeched. "By product of what!?" Irvine gagged. "She thinks it may be from some kind of slug." Xu explained as she carefully cleaned yet another panel. "You’d think this gunk would short something out." Nida noted. "Just be lucky it didn’t. But it can’t be good for the works. I bet this crap is why some of the systems have been running weird." Zell offered. "I don’t care, I just want a shower." Celest cried. "Welcome to SEED." Irvine chuckled; catching himself as he almost wiped his brow with a goo covered hand. "Slugs...this is great..." Zell groused. "They better not be in my ship." "You’re ship?" Xu grinned. The bridge door slid open and Squall walked in with a somewhat sullen expression. He was considerably shocked to find half his senior staff tearing the guts out of the bridge. "What the?" He mouthed quietly. "Hey boss." Zell waved at him with a slime-covered hand. "Can I go home now." Celest whimpered. "But this is when it gets fun." Irvine chuckled. "Look at this." Xu blurted, striding up to him with soap covered hands. Squall took a step back and looked around. "Something crawled into the computer system and took a dump." Zell explained. "You’re joking." Squall frowned, noticing the stench in the air. "I wish we were." Celest cried. "Do we know what did it?" Squall asked, looking over Nida’s shoulder. "Nope, though doc thinks it was some kind of slug infestation." Xu answered albeit skeptically. "A slug?" Squall scowled, taking a closer look at this mess. "Hyne... how many? I don’t know sounds odd to me, what kind of slug roots around in electronics?" He mumbled. "Beats me man, I only work here." Zell chuckled. "Shut up." Xu groaned. "That mess isn’t poisonous is it." Squall asked, causing everyone to pause. "Um well." Nida blanched. "Poisonous!?" Celest squeaked. "Tell me, you checked." Squall groaned. "Yes." Xu sighed, rolling her eyes at everyone’s paranoia. Doctor Kadowaki said it’s little more than a gelled mucus like substance, its disgusting but harmless." "I didn’t need to hear that." Celest gurgled. "Feelin better boss?" Zell asked brightly. "Fine." Squall answered dryly before squatting next to Xu and grabbing a slop covered panel. "Where’s the girls?" "What are we, chopped liver." Xu frowned, nodding towards Celest. "Don’t be difficult." Squall sighed. "They flew out to Timber with Selphie to take Watts and the guys home." She explained. "They should be back soon, Nicole said they left a good while ago." Zell added. The sound of the elevator humming announced someone’s approach. A moment later the door opened and Cid walked out onto the bridge with a frown. What ever you all are doing, I can smell it down in my office." He grumbled then put a hand over his mouth. "What are you doing, slaughtering animals?" "I was just finding out." Squall said with a frown. "Where is everyone?" Selphie frowned as she made her way out to the pool. "Good question?" Quistis frowned. "Over here guys." Nicole waved from the shadowed area where she and Fujin sat playing cards. "I thought everyone was meeting us?" Rinoa asked, looking around. Except for a few students doing laps, the pool was mostly vacant. "CLEANUP DUTY." Fujin said, counting out a pile of peanuts and setting them at the center of the table. "What?" Quistis asked as everyone pulled up a seat. "Xu came in and drug em all off." Nicole shrugged. "Apparently something died up inside one of the computers on the bridge, they’re all trying to clean it out." "Gross." Selphie winced. "What was it?" "UNKNOWN." Fujin said, waiting for Nicole to place her bet. "Me and Fujin been playing cards ever since." Nicole grinned, tossing in her bet and showing her cards. "DAMN." Fujin grumbled, setting hers down in a huff. "You’d think she of all people could play poker." Nicole giggled, eating one of the nuts. "CHEAT." Fujin huffed, folding her arms. "Don’t be a sore loser, it’s not becoming." Quistis grinned, leaning against her companionably. "Well what do we do now?" Selphie asked in a somewhat bored tone. "I don’t know." Rinoa sighed heavily. "Come now, surely we can think of something." Nicole grinned. "Hey it’ll be like old times, just the four of us." Selphie giggled then blushed; noting the look Fujin was giving her. "Plus one." She added gingerly. "I bet we can get into trouble if we put our heads together." Quistis looked worried and that did little to help Fujin's growing sense of dread.
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