Mad Love "Have her, luscious, wondrous, wronged, now know." Seifer mumbled to himself, as he lay sprawled atop his bed. In his hand he held the faded, and torn picture of Fujin. The photo was taken years ago during a trip to Balamb Village's beach. She was sitting under one of the piers out of the sun, eyeing a seagull that had wandered over to investigate her. With a sigh he set the photo aside and lost himself in though while watching the ceiling fan spin lazily overhead. After his defeat in the Lunatic Pandora he'd been dismissed from Ultimecia's favor. He still truly believed in his dream of becoming a Sorceress Knight, but now, he knew he was horribly mistake in having sided with Edea. The woman had been tainted by Ultimecia's darkness and for a time that realization had drove him mad. Confused and lost to all reason he tried to offer Rinoa to Adel. Fujin and Raijin, the two knew he was in a downward spiral from the beginning but stuck with him. "What I did to them, to everyone." He thought bitterly. During the time after Ultimecia's defeat, he had time to think about his actions and it shamed him. He wandered for a time, with Fujin and Raijin following loyally. Then he made a choice. He traveled back to Balamb, he knew redemption was far away for him. But his companions, they could still be happy, happier without him. Squall tried to welcome him back too, but he knew it was only a token display and so under the cover of night and without a word he left. Lost and without a future he knew he needed to face his inner demons. The introspective unlocked something, something forgotten; something left behind at the back of his mind, something from Ultimecia. At that moment he formulated a plan to right the wrongs committed. That plan led him to the islands of heaven and hell. The trials he faced there were hellish and he welcomed them, it seared away the pain in his heart and forged his resolve into steel. Then, one night, under the stars he found the picture, lying haplessly at the bottom of one of his packs. Her face called to him like a siren's song. He studied the photo thoughtfully. In all the years she'd traveled with him he never noticed how beautiful she was. He'd been horrible to her, harsh words and harsher actions. He dismissed those thoughts, and focused more on the feelings that now welled up in him. His months of solitude gave him time to think and he soon realized that he loved her. Problem now was, in his present state he dared not approach her. He noticed her avoiding him, how her gaze would dart away from his. Perhaps she had feelings for him also, he had always wondered if she could harbor those kind of emotions. He'd always thought her cold and aloof, even heartless but was confident that he could warm her, bring her out of her frozen shell. *************** Her fist slammed into the punching bag with an unchecked fury. She followed up the assault with a storm of vicious kicks and strikes that seemed altogether unnecessary. The heavy thuds echoing loudly in the near empty gymnasium. Quistis had taken to joining Fujin in her early morning workouts. "Something troubling you?" Quistis asked peeking cautiously from around the bag. "NEGATIVE." Fujin huffed offering a wary smirk as she rubbed her wrist. Quistis moved to her and took her hand in hers. "Now why don't I believe you." She sighed, tenderly massaging it. Fujin winced slightly and Quistis nodded. "You've gone and sprained it. Now I know something's troubling you." "FINE." Fujin assured her. "Fine." Quistis said in unison. Fujin eyed her suspiciously. "I know you, I'd had hoped you'd realized that by now." Quistis smiled. "WORRISOME." Fujin grumbled with a sigh. "That's nice." Quistis pouted. "APOLOGY." "I take it you're not going to tell me." Fujin grabbed a towel and sat down on a near bench, her shoulder slumping wearily. "No, I assume." Quistis murmured. "WILL BE OKAY." "Is it Seifer?" Fujin tongued her cheek in annoyance. She really didn't want to talk about him. She'd all but buried him in her mind and his return brought back bitter memories. "Fu, I just want to help." Quistis said softly kneeling by her side. Fujin nodded solemnly but remained silent. With a look of dismay Quistis stood. "Alright then, I won't sit here and try to make you, but if you need me you know I'm here for you." Feeling somewhat hurt, she let the matter drop and headed for the showers, leaving Fujin to her thoughts. Fujin mentally kicked herself. She didn't want Quistis fretting and worrying over her right now, not with all that was going on. Seifer's very presence made a mess of an already delicate situation, she knew he would expect her to follow along behind him like the loyal fool she had been. She couldn't avoid him forever, at some point she'd have to face him and it would most likely be an ugly affair. The prospect was troubling, more so for Quistis than herself a confrontation would upset her greatly and Fujin had no desire to see her upset. Quistis was a woman of deep, fiery emotions and Fujin knew that she'd explode if she learned of the things Seifer had done to her. Fujin couldn't blame her for she knew she'd do the same if roles were reversed. With a heavy sigh she stood and headed to the showers to join her companion. *********************** "Open the gate." Luccian said with a haunting smile. The guard stepped out of the guardhouse with a curious look. The morning sun had not yet cleared the mountains so he could barely see the youth standing in the predawn darkness. "Who goes there, it's a little early for visitors." The guard said clicking on his flashlight. Luccian's eyes glimmered in the light; the pupils of his eyes were dilated giving, him a soulless shark like gaze. "Luccian Czar, I'm here to see my father." He said thickly. "Sure you are pal, no one sees the Mr. Czar without a invite." The guard huffed folding his large muscular arms. "Call him tell him I've arrived. I know the way to the house, so you need not accompany me." Luccian said simply, walking towards the gate of the compound. "Hold it right there! I'm not calling anyone; it's five in the morning. Come back during operating hours." "Destroy him." The thought came to Luccian's mind out of the blue. He looked at the guard with a wicked smile. The guard, who to his credit was no fool, kept a healthy distance and went for his gun cautiously. "Not gonna tell you again kid." He said firmly. "Kill him." Again the thought came, this time it was more like an inner voice. Luccian frowned and shook his head. Why would he kill the man, he was only doing his job, even if he was incompetent. He raised his hands in a non-threatening manner. ****** In his youth Artemis Czar had been a powerful and crafty man, ruthless in business and indulgent in play. Over the years his exuberant and boisterous lifestyle had caught up with him. He had few regrets though; he loved hard, to hard if the truth were told. His wife left him years ago and took half his estate with her. Even now, at his worst, he still had women fawning over him. A small army of buxom nurses served his every need. The doctors said it was a mixture of alcohol and pricey cigars that ate away his insides. With a ruined liver, tortured lungs and something insidious growing in his bowels, they said his time was short. Even then he did not stop, he saw no reason to, he was dying already, why make things miserable. He only had one wish now, his one son, the heir to his empire. Luccian, the boy was a lazy lout, always wanting things the easy way, never having to struggle to get what he wanted. Artemis knew he had faults, but he at least earned everything he got. He wanted his son to appreciate life and know what it was like to work for a living. It was several years ago that he encountered his old friend Cid Kramer and learned of the Garden and SEED programs. In a stroke of inspiration he had Luccian join the academy. A proper military training regiment is just what his lackluster son needed. Perhaps then the boy would make him proud and learn to stand on his own. He lay now, in his bed, a humidifier bubbling quietly nearby. The sound of screaming caused him to stir and he sat up weakly, removing the oxygen that was attached to his face. "Candice!" He wheezed. The night nurse bounded into the room cheerfully. "Yes sir!" "What's the noise?" He coughed. "I don't know." She shrugged and walked to the window. "Looks like something's going on by the plant one." Artemis slid the out of bed and hobbled to her side. "What ever was going on seems to have settled down." She smiled. "Come now you have to lay down you need you're rest." She said firmly, leading him back to the bed. "Join me?" He grinned wolfishly. "Now is not the time sir." She grinned, prying his hand off her. ***************** Quistis ate quietly, Fujin had said little to her since their little argument. Zell and Nicole set their trays down before the two and joined them for breakfast. Nicole was beaming brightly while Zell looked as though he'd lost his best friend. "What wrong?" Quistis inquired in a somewhat reserved tone. "They banged her up Miss Trepe." He whined as he grabbed the salt and started to sprinkle it on his eggs only to have the lid pop off, dumping the entire contents. "This is just great I should've stayed in bed." He groaned in dismay. "He stayed in that hanger all night." Nicole whispered to Quistis knowingly as the small dragon perched atop her shoulder yawned with disinterest. Fujin looked up suspiciously at the thing and pointed at it with her fork. "UNSANITARY." She said with typical bluntness. "She's clean, cleaner than you." Nicole said jokingly. Fujin bristled slightly but took the ribbing in stride. "Cute little thing, any problems yet?" Quistis asked eyeing the creature. "Nope not at all, I guess she's got good instincts." Nicole shrugged. "Got a litter box last night and she went right in to do her business." "Now don't tell me that dragon uses a cat box?" Irvine laughed as he and Selphie approached. "Scoot down a step, ya punk." He chuckled to Zell, who groaned in annoyance before sliding over. "Hey guys." Selphie waved meekly as she sat down by Quistis. "Sorry about yesterday, been feeling weird." She apologized before looking at Nicole. "Are you sure you should bring that in the cafeteria?" She asked as the critter leaped from Nicole and onto Zell's shoulder. Zell ignored it and went back to eating while it craned its neck to sniff curiously at Irvine. "Go away." Irvine snorted, poking at it cautiously with his finger. The little critter nipped and spat at him causing him to jump. "HEY!?" Fujin nearly choked and chuckled at the sight. "Don’t you start." Irvine scowled candidly at her. "Come here Ica." Nicole cooed cutely, calling the little dragon back to her. "Ica?" Quistis blinked. "Yeah, I think it's a cute name." Nicole grinned. "I like it." Selphie smiled. "So Zell, how bad is the ship?" Irvine asked behind a spoonful of oatmeal. "Oh boy." Nicole mumbled. "She's ruined man, bastards." Zell snarled. "Technicians say we'll have to scrap her." Quistis noted. "Over my dead body!" Zell nearly shouted. "I'll work my fingers to the bone to get her running again." Selphie eyed him a moment and looked to Nicole wickedly. "Passionate devil isn't he." "About some things, yes." Nicole mumbled dryly. "Cut the boy some slack, a man forms a special bond with his machines." Irvine protested before giving Zell a brotherly clap on the back. "So do some girls." Selphie added with a lewd grin. "Selphie!" Quistis balked "I wasn't implying anything, you're the one thinking dirty thoughts." Selphie huffed innocently. "Do I even want to know?" Rinoa asked, giving everyone a bubbly look. Squall stood behind her looking vexed. "Pull up a seat you two we'll make room." Irvine waved them over. "Table looks a little crowded." Squall said dryly, having no desire to socialize. "Nonsense." Selphie beamed. "Sit down you grouch." Fujin moved closer to Quistis as Squall sat awkwardly beside her. Rinoa sat down next to Irvine. "ASSIST." Fujin blurted out of the blue. "What?" Quistis looked at her in confusion, as did everyone. Fujin coughed and slumped slightly in her seat. "ZELL." "Do what?" Zell wondered, looking flabbergasted. "REPAIRS." Fujin clarified, then went back to eating. "Um okay." Zell shrugged. "Thanks!" He grinned broadly then looked around and saw everyone looking at him. "What!?" He shot defensively causing everyone to go back to eating. "Nicole?" Rinoa asked softly. "Yah?" "Why is you're pet?" Rinoa started but was cut off. "Ica." Nicole said importantly. "Okay, why is Ica having breakfast with us?" "Don't get her started." Selphie smiled. "Will you guys quit picking on my Ica." Nicole pouted, petting the dragon fondly. "Oh Hyne look." Rinoa said, quietly pointing to Seifer who was standing in line waiting to be served. The two security personnel who were assigned to him stood calmly by the door watching for potential trouble. "Squall, what's with the guards?" Irvine asked seeing the duo. "Just in case." Squall said bluntly. Selphie sneered at the sight of him but remained silent. "I take it Edea helped him out?" Nicole said thoughtfully. "I don't know, that’s between them." Squall answered. Fujin stood to leave causing Quistis to look up at her curiously. "Where are you going?" "CLASS." Fujin said quietly. "A little early isn't it?" "NEGATIVE." Fujin answered grimly before dumping her tray and striding out of the cafeteria. Quistis sat in a stupor and frowned. "What was that about?" Selphie asked. "I don't know for sure." Quistis mumbled softly but quickly put on a fake smile. "She'll tell us eventually I guess." ******************* "Fix me!" Seifer yelled. "Pardon?" Edea said icily, insulted by his tone. Seifer tensed and his fists clenched tightly. He had hurried to her small office as soon as he'd finished eating. Fujin had run off again, she was apparently playing girlish games with him and he knew it. The thought of not being able to speak his mind effectively to her was making him furious. Then there was the matter of Ultimecia to be resolved. "Fix me." Seifer said again, sounding calmer but hiding a growing fury. "It will take time." Edea said gently. "To understand such the importance of matter is paramount, least she and her both lost to me and all!" Seifer exploded, jumping up from his seat he slammed his fist into Edea's desk causing her papers and pens to scatter. "Hush child." Edea said softly. Rising out of her seat she touched his forehead with her palm. He made a noise akin to a dying bull and collapsed back into his seat barely able to move. Edea moved from behind her desk and approached him. Her face was scornful, she did not appreciate his belligerent attitude. "Do not presume to intimidate me. I know what dangers you speak of and what desires you seek. Know this, I will help you to the best of my abilities. But to rush such a matter would be painful if not fatal. I suggest you wait, the effects will wear off in time. Until then I can hurry it along somewhat." Seifer shook his head violently. "No?" She arched a brow, surprised. "You've learned nothing of patience on your island." She sighed. "A pity." With that she sat back down and Seifer could feel his strength returning. "To make apologies is enough to think, but to wait is not to be consider or options of had, I desire to and seek to this and more but post haste lest all to her and she is lost to me!" "Apology accepted." Edea smiled eerily. "Fix me." Seifer said again. "Even after what I've told you?" Edea sighed sadly. Seifer nodded firmly. "It may kill you." She assured him bluntly. "Now." Seifer said again almost pleadingly. "I will consider it." Edea frowned. "Now go, let me think." She scowled, not happy with the prospect. Seifer nodded and did as he was told. ************** Quistis went through her teaching regiment in an uninspired and straightforward manner. She was worried about Fujin, and the fact Luccian may have went rouge added even more stress to her. Thankful that the class was over she leaned back wearily in her chair. Fujin walked over to stand by her quietly. "GOING." She said softly. "Where?" Quistis asked rubbing her strained eyes. "AEKA, TRAINING." "Have fun." Quistis sighed. "UPSET?" "No." "YES YOU ARE." "I'm just worried about, ever since Seifer came back you've been acting more and more distant." "I'M SORRY." "Don't apologize, I know it's your way, you'll tell me when you're ready. Will I see you tonight?" "IF YOU WANT." "Do you want to?" Quistis asked sourly. Hurt, Fujin didn't know how to respond. "BYE." She mumbled, grabbing her bags and leaving. Quistis felt like screaming as she watched her go. **************** Luccian sat in his father's room smiling warmly. "I just don't get it dad. I learn the business just like you asked. I could run this place blindfolded now. I go Balamb, as you wished and you still refused to admit you were wrong about me." He sighed and shook his head. "I know how to work hard for what I want. Hell, look what I had to do just to get were I am now. This guardian is magnificent, sure it's unruly but that’s just the way things are. If you knew the trouble it was to get this thing, but now that it's over, I see things looking up for the better. I just want you to know I'll take care of the business. I have big plans for the future, sure you don't approve now but you will, when all is said and done, you'll be proud of me." He sniffed curiously and stood. "Man what a stink." He grumbled walking over to the window. Staring out, he saw that one of the fires he'd started had reached the pile of corpses that had been the compound's security team. "Ugh that’s nasty." He shivered then looked back to his father. "Sorry about all that by the way." He said stepping over the smoldering husk that had, until moments ago been a nurse. "You know how people can get sometimes. Don't worry though the others will be whipped in line as soon as possible." He winked. "By the way pops ya never said what you think of the suit." He spun around grinning proudly. "A little flashy yes, but hey I say if you got it flaunt it. To bad Archie isn't here, he was like you. You know, thinking I was a low life. Oh well, water under the bridge eh." He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Well it's been wonderful seeing you again. I have to go clean things up, can't leave a mess like this lying around, it's downright unprofessional." He smiled fondly down at the steaming pile of gore that had been Artemis Czar. "See ya later pops." He waved before striding out of the room whistling merrily. *************** Seifer had just gotten out of the shower and was toweling off as he stepped into the living room. The guards at the door refused to let him wander unattended but considering his last place of residence the small apartment was a godsend. He headed towards the kitchen meaning to fetch something to eat when he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. Whipping around he saw Quistis sitting on the couch. Oblivious to his nakedness she glared at him with such a venomous look it nearly worried him. "Beautiful, all knowing schoolmarm, pleasure still to grace abode of such merry madness and misunderstood meaning." He said wrapping the towel around his waist and bowing. "Cut the crap." She said firmly, able to decipher the gist of his rambling. "Hostility, for what cause of such ill feelings, no one word nor act, nor intent have I even pondered on any but she who waits." He said looking hurt. "Don't give me that Seifer, you always hated me." She snapped. "Fair to be sure, enough then such of niceties what for did the instructor arrive at my cell but abode?" He scowled, plopping down in the chair next to her. "Let's talk about Fujin." She smiled cynically. "Glorious, winter vixen my heart, soul, all leap with mind and body to once more speak name of she who is all." He said jumping up gleefully. Quistis blinked in a cold stupor. "Since when?" She finally stammered. "The past I know, weakness, boyish, afraid and suffering such of emotion, but know now, oh now the pump sings in chest for her soft lips and embrace. Correct errors and pain of long ago to just one word from mouth to speak and settle me...." He started working into a full out rant and she had to stop him. "I get the picture." She said loudly. "What did you say to her?" He sulked and hung his head. "Not one word spoken yet or look gave, avoidance, to misery of one who hold high she, to be left cold, but fret now not, shy too she was and is I surmise. I aim to gain praise and more once..." "Enough I get it." She frowned. "Why does scholar, beauty and respected foe to ask one such thing and questions to me?" "Not that you really care, but she's upset that you're here." She said softly. "Worry more not to this thing. No harm, foul or mischief in me to this she knows, only joy and love. But know the she that waits and sleeps with darkness and all things will know wrath unbound for pain cause." He said with a glint in his eye that Quistis found unsettling. She had not idea what he meant nor did she wish to fathom it. "Nice talking with you." She said evenly and got up to leave. The conversation did little but leave her with even more questions. He shrugged a grinned broadly as she left. At least he now knew Fujin was thinking about him.
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